PSG vs Metz
Don’t miss the full replay and highlights of the thrilling PSG vs Metz showdown. The action kicks off at 20:00 (GMT) on 20th December 2023. The match will be officiated by the esteemed referee R. Buquet and will take place at the iconic Parc des Princes. This highly anticipated clash is part of the France – Ligue 1, Week 17, Season 2023/2024. Stay tuned for an electrifying encounter!
PSG vs Metz Full Match Reports
Paris Saint-Germain endured a challenging match but emerged as 3-1 victors against Metz in Ligue 1, securing the title of ‘Autumn champions’ after an eighth unbeaten match across all competitions (W5, D3).
With more than half of their league points amassed at the Parc des Princes, PSG entered the game as heavy favorites against a Metz side that hadn’t secured a win at the Parisians’ home in 16 matches (D3, L13), with their last triumph dating back to 1996. The one-sided nature of the affair was evident from the start, as Luis Enrique’s men dominated possession with an 84% share in the opening quarter-hour. Despite the Metz defenders putting their bodies on the line to protect the goal, a scramble in the box from Bradley Barcola’s cross saw Vitinha’s attempt denied by two goal-line blocks.
The home side continued their relentless attacks in the final third, although they failed to truly test Alexandre Oukidja. The closest chance to break the deadlock in the first half came from the visitors, with Kevin Van Den Kerkhof’s counter-attack resulting in a cross that Danilo Pereira inadvertently headed onto the post.
Whatever Enrique communicated to his PSG players during the halftime break had an immediate impact, leading to the hosts opening the scoring within four minutes of the restart. Lee Kang-in cut in from the right, delivering a ball into the box that Vitinha expertly guided into the net. Despite Kylian Mbappé experiencing a frustrating evening with several off-target attempts, he showcased his brilliance on the hour mark with a sublime curling effort that found the net off the crossbar, marking his 17th league goal of the season.
With a two-goal advantage, victory seemed imminent for the home side, but Metz stirred up the competition by pulling a goal back in the 72nd minute. Matthieu Udol capitalized on a corner kick from Lamine Camara, heading in at the near post. The away side gained confidence from this unlikely goal, pressing on to level the score.
However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Joseph N’Duquidi played a misguided back pass, allowing Mbappé to utilize his lightning pace, round Oukidja, and tap the ball into an empty net. His birthday celebration was further enhanced late in the game as his younger brother, Ethan Mbappé, made his professional debut at just 16 years old. Ultimately, Enrique’s men comfortably secured the victory, concluding the year five points ahead of second-place Nice, while Metz remains just two points away from the relegation play-off spot.
Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain).