Mbappe, Neymar shine as PSG thrash Clermont

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) thrashed Clermont 6-1 after Kylian Mbappe and Neymar both scored hat-tricks to move a step closer to winning Ligue 1.

Mbappe, who has yet to decide whether or not he will stay at PSG beyond this season, scored twice and added three assists in PSG’s 5-1 thrashing of Lorient last weekend.

In this game, he added another assist and won a penalty, moving him to the top of the Ligue 1 goalscoring records with 20 goals.

With only seven games remaining, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are already 15 points clear of second-placed Rennes and look set to reclaim the title.

Clermont-Ferrand is still in 17th place, one point above of Saint-Etienne, who are in the relegation play-offs.

After being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, PSG just has Ligue 1 to play for this season, but they put up another fantastic display.

With a driving run down the left side, Mbappe caused havoc in the home defense and gave them the lead in the sixth minute.

The ball ultimately reached Lionel Messi, who found Neymar with a superb pass, and the Brazilian hammered the ball into the far corner.

Clermont players were enraged that PSG had continued to assault despite the fact that one of their defenders was hurt.

Within 20 minutes, the champions-elect had doubled their lead, thanks to Messi’s 12th league assist of the season.

Mbappe pushed the ball past onrushing goalkeeper Arthur Desmas after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner volleyed it through.

Jodel Dossou scrambled in at the back post to cap off a great team move just before half-time, giving Clermont hope of an unexpected comeback.

Before the halftime, Neymar came close to restoring PSG’s two-goal lead, but Desmas made a fine diving stop to push the Brazilian’s shot around the post.

After the break, the capital giants dominated possession but struggled to create many chances, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saving Jason Berthomier’s attempt.

With 20 minutes remaining, though, Mbappe was hauled down in the box by Akim Zedadka after a swift counter-attack, and Neymar sent Desmas the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Just a few minutes later, Mbappe scored his second goal, running onto Neymar’s superb pass to round Desmas and tap in.

PSG’s frightening front three collaborated for the fifth goal, with Neymar’s back-flick finding Messi, who played in Mbappe for a stunning curling drive into the far corner.

With seven minutes remaining, the visitors made it four goals in the space of 12 minutes, as Neymar completed his first hat-trick since December 2020.

He was indebted again to Mbappe, who ran clean through but unselfishly squared to give his teammate the easiest of finishes.

Rennes keeps Champions League hopes alive

Rennes climbed above Marseille into second place earlier on Saturday after a 3-2 victory over Reims enhanced their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

On goal difference, Bruno Genesio’s men are ahead of Marseille, who visit Montpellier on Sunday.

The top two teams automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage following season, while the third-placed team must compete in the qualification rounds.

Rennes has won six of their previous seven league games to put themselves in contention, while Nice has slid from third to fifth place following a string of bad performances.

Rennes led by two goals at halftime after Benjamin Bourigeaud scored twice in four first-half minutes.

Before the hour mark, Martin Terrier made it 3-0.

Rennes held on despite a late Reims rally with goals from Maxime Busi and Jens-Lys Cajuste, who netted a penalty just three minutes after his team-mate Moussa Doumbia had missed one.

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