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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) went top of the Ligue 1 standings with a nervy 4-2 win over Strasbourg. Lionel Messi was unveiled in front of a packed Parc des Princes following which Kylian Mbappe starred in a supreme attacking performance.
The Parisians wasted little time in getting off the mark. Mauro Icardi netted in the third minute with a lovely glancing header from Abdou Diallo's cross.
Kylian Mbappe then proceeded to demolish the Strasbourg defense. First he watched his shot get deflect off Ludovic Ajorque into the net before setting up Julian Draxler for PSG's third in the 27th minute.
Strasbourg then provided a stunning answer, with Kevin Gameiro's 53rd minute goal laying the perfect platform for Ajorque to set Parisian hearts aflutter with a 64th minute header. PSG's boat had well and truly been rocked, only for Alexandre Djiku to earn two yellow cards in three minutes and put the visitors on the backfoot.
There was only one winner after that. And Pablo Sarabia made sure of the result by tapping in Mbappe's cross from close range to finish the game with a 4-2 scoreline.
Here are five talking points from this game:
#1 Lionel Messi witnesses the lunacy that is PSG
The actual action on the football pitch was effectively a side-show tonight. Lionel Messi was unveiled to an adoring Parc des Princes crowd alongside Sergio Ramos, Gigi Donnarumma, Gini Wijnaldum and Achraf Hakimi.
Indeed, the TV match director wasted no chance to cut away to Messi and Neymar whenever there was something to react to. Given this was PSG, there was plenty to react to - the ease with which PSG raced to a 3-0 lead probably had Messi wondering if he would even be needed by this team.
Yet, the Parisians are always good for some grade-A complacency and what ought to have been a comfortable day at the office, suddenly ... wasn't. The nervousness in the air was palpable. Had it not been for Alexander Djiku to effectively gift the match to PSG, Messi could very well have been walking away from this game wondering what he had signed up for.
#2 Strasbourg can take positives from this game
There was much optimism in Alsace this year, most of which revolved around Strasbourg recruiting Julien Stephan as manager. He had impressed with Rennes last season. An opening day defeat to Angers tempered expectations, and had them completely blown away after PSG raced to a 3-0 lead.
Les coureurs, however, looked an entirely different team in the second half and took advantage of a complacent PSG side. With Kevin Gameiro and Ludovic Ajorque on the pitch, the visitors always had a chance. And two headers put the cat among the pigeons on the hour mark.
Sadly, Alexander Djiku's three-minute spell of madness left the team with ten men and effectively extinguished Strasbourg's chances of making a comeback. It was doubly tragic as PSG were looking quite nervous and could've conceded plenty of chances late on.
Despite now being at the bottom of the table, Strasbourg can take hope that they're not facing another relegation battle given their performance against the might of PSG.
#3 PSG's defense is a nightmare in waiting
For a club with ambitions to win the UEFA Champions League, PSG clearly do not have the defense to win the said title. It's often been their defense that's come unstuck in the deep stages of Europe, and this game was a microcosm of their problems.
Mauricio Pochettino has witnessed his team concede to both Troyes and Strasbourg, which ought to leave him fuming. Presnel Kimpembe and Thilo Kehrer lost concentration to allow Strasbourg to score two goals, while Abdou Diallo nearly undid his teammates' good work to gift a backpass that almost resulted in a third.
This defense ought to be enough to win the Ligue 1 title,. But when faced with the very best of Europe in a semifinal or final, it's doubtful whether they can come up trumps.
#4 Mauricio Pochettino might have issues dealing with PSG's riches in squad depth
Starting Eric Ebimbe with Rafinha and Danilo on the bench shows just how brave a manager Mauricio Pochettino is when it comes to youth. But even he will acknowledge the abundance of resources he has in attack. It's almost a certainty that Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar will start in a front three (MNM).
However, Mauro Icardi, Julian Draxler and Pablo Sarabia showed they are far better players than the gametime they are expected to have this season. There are already rumors of Icardi's unhappiness and perhaps this is a perfect window for him to remind interested clubs of his quality.
Pochettino will be aware that this is a powder-keg of a situation. He will have to call upon all of his man-managing prowess to ensure he retains his bloated attacking options.
#5 Kylian Mbappe reminds everyone of his quality
After a disappointing Euros where his star dimmed a little, Kylian Mbappe could have been forgiven for throwing a strop with the arrival of Lionel Messi. Instead, the Frenchman turned in a performance that showed his ability to play a supporting role.
Mbappe was unselfish throughout the game, toying with Karol Fila and Anthony Caci to set up his teammates. Julian Draxler and Pablo Sarabia were the beneficiaries of his assists, while Mbappe found the net himself as well.
PSG's fourth could not have come at a better time to settle the nerves, with Mbappe proving that he remains a player for the tough moments. He may be asked to play a bit of a subservient role to Neymar and Messi alongside him, but the Frenchman has shown he can be a team player.
