Mbappe nets twice as PSG turn on style against Saint-Etienne

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PARIS (AFP) – Kylian Mbappe scored twice from Lionel Messi assists as an impressive Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came from behind to beat Saint-Etienne 3-1 and further extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Denis Bouanga put the struggling visitors in front at the Parc des Princes only for Mbappe to equalise just before the interval, and the France striker struck again just after the restart.

He then set up Danilo Pereira to head in the hosts’ third goal as Mauricio Pochettino’s team bounced back after losing 3-1 away at Nantes last weekend and moved 16 points clear of

Nice and Marseille as they cruise towards the French title.

PSG were three goals behind at half-time against Nantes and they were punished for a slow start here, Gabon international Bouanga pouncing on a mistake by Pereira to fire past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Yet the home side eventually came to life and Mbappe continued his outstanding recent run of form, with his brace taking him on to 24 goals in all competitions this season.

Saint-Etienne’s midfielder Mahdi Camara fight for the ball against Paris Saint-Germain’s forward Kylian Mbappe. PHOTO: AFP