Image Source – EFE /
Luis Enrique’s team was always behind Nice, whose forward Teren Moffi outshone Mbappé by scoring two goals and providing an assist.
Kylian Mbappé scored his third consecutive brace in Ligue 1, tallying 7 goals in 4 matches. However, this time it wasn’t enough for PSG, as they were defeated at home by an outstanding Nice (2-3), with Nigerian forward Teren Moffi scoring two goals and providing an assist. It’s the first loss for Luis Enrique’s team, which couldn’t maintain the top position and now depends on Monaco, who lead with two more points.
Before the match, the Parc des Princes witnessed an emotional farewell tribute to Marco Verratti, who was transferred to Al Arabi in Qatar after spending eleven seasons in Paris. PSG notably missed the depth and speed that the Italian midfielder brought to their game during the peak of his career.
Nice, very disciplined in their pressing and teamwork, took advantage of it to take the lead. Terem Moffi, who had already tested Gianluigi Donnarumma, capitalized on a Kylian Mbappé ball loss near the area, scoring with a shot that found its way past the post after slightly deflecting off Lucas Hernández (21′).
Shortly after, Khéphren Thuram had a chance for 0-2 with a low shot that forced Donnarumma to make a flying save. PSG needed to react, and they did. Mbappé, who else, led the charge, delivering a great through pass that left Ousmane Dembélé one-on-one with the keeper, but the former Barcelona player missed the chance by shooting wide.
Mbappé Reacts and Equalizes
However, Mbappé, who had been well-controlled by the defense led by Jean-Clair Todibo until then, was now in full swing. He equalized after receiving a pass from Achraf Hakimi on the right wing and struck it first-time with power, beating goalkeeper Marcin Bulka (29′).
These were the best moments for PSG, which found spaces and had two very clear chances to take the lead: a header by Gonçalo Ramos and a crossed shot by Dembélé that missed the target by millimeters.
Nevertheless, Nice had the last opportunity of the first half when Jordan Lotomba received a ball in the area but sent it high over the bar.
Moffi Strikes on the Counter
The halftime break interrupted PSG’s reaction, and their game lacked continuity as Nice controlled the situation without trouble, perfectly executing their Italian manager Francesco Farioli’s plan to hit on the counter with danger.
The rest was done by Moffi. The Nigerian picked the pockets of PSG’s defense in two plays with plenty of space. In the first one, he outplayed Danilo in the box and set up Gaetan Laborde to find the net (53′).
In the second, Moffi started solo, and neither Lucas Hernández nor Milan Skriniar could stop him as he completed his sprint with a left-footed shot from outside the area near the post (69′).
Mbappé Adds Excitement with a Spectacular Volley
The game seemed sealed, and Mbappé hadn’t made much impact until, three minutes from regular time, he conjured up a spectacular volleyed goal after receiving a perfectly chipped pass from the recently substituted Randal Kolo Muani.
But Nice held on during the final push, remains undefeated after five matchdays, and sits second, just one point behind Monaco.
PSG — 2/3 — NIZA
