PSG 3-0 AC Milan: 5 talking points as Mbappe and Zaire-Emery put on a stellar display to subjugate the Rossoneri | UEFA Champions League 2023-24
PSG made lightwork of AC Milan in a comprehensive 3-0 victory at home in the Champions League on Wednesday (25 October).
After missing two earlier chances, Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock after 32 minutes into the kick-off with a cool finish beyond Mike Maignan. Ousmane Dembele appeared to have doubled their advantage early into the second half, but Manuel Ugarte's foul in the build-up meant it was chalked off following a VAR review.
In the 53rd minute, shortly after the disallowed goal, Randal Kolo Muani made it 2-0 for the Parisians by firing home after Milan's goalkeeper spilled Dembele's shot into his path.
Lee Kang-in added a third in the penultimate minute of normal time with a sublime finish off a delectable pass from Warren Zaire-Emery as Milan were soundly beaten.
With just two points after three games, the Serie A giants languish in the bottom of Group F, whereas PSG climbed to the top with six points, as Newcastle United lost in the other match to Borussia Dortmund.
Here are the five talking points from the game:
#5 Ousmane Dembele still searching for his first PSG goal
Ousmane Dembele has been a good addition to PSG's attack. He brings plenty of creative flair and creates space for the likes of Mbappe to run into.
Last night, the former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund winger helped set up PSG's third goal, as his shot was parried away by Maignan into Kolo Muani's path, and the striker made no mistake from close range.
However, Dembele hasn't had any luck with goals yet, as he's yet to open his account with the French champions after 11 games. He appeared to break the duck minutes into the second half when he put the ball in the back of the net, but VAR intervened to negate the goal due to a foul by Manuel Ugarte in the build-up, much to the Frenchman's dismay.
#4 AC Milan are a hot mess
From reaching their first Champions League semi-finals since 2007 last season, to being on the brink of a group-stage exit, AC Milan have declined in dramatic fashion over the last few months.
For the third consecutive game, the Rossoneri failed to score a goal. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic offered bright sparks, but those were few and far between as collectively, Stefano Pioli's side flattered to deceive yet again.
With just two points in the bag, Milan are at the bottom of Group F after three games. Another winless affair in their next game would virtually end their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
#3 Warren Zaire-Emery comes of age in eye-catching display
PSG's rising star Warren Zaire-Emery turned heads last night with a talismanic performance, capped off with two fabulous assists.
The 17-year-old fireball was energetic, full of willingness, and displayed amazing footwork. His hold-up play before assisting Mbappe for their first goal was top-notch, shrugging off a challenge from Tijjani Reijnders.
He bagged a second assist in the dying embers after racing up the right flank and squaring the ball for Lee Kang-in to score PSG's third of the evening.
Zaire-Emery is a star in the making.
#2 Milan must find their attacking boots fast
All's not lost yet, but it could be for AC Milan if they're unable to find their attacking boots soon. As aforementioned, the Rossoneri have drawn a blank in all three of their Champions League matches thus far, despite having a total of 15 shots on target.
By contrast, the Serie A outfit have scored 16 goals in nine league games, with only four sides netting more. Stefano Pioli's side have struggled to replicate that form on the European stage.
There are many reasons. Milan are in a tough group with sides boasting quality squads. They're also stricken with several key injuries right now, with Ismael Bennacer, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all out injured.
Il Diavolo must find their attacking boots soon as time's running out for them to reach the knockout stages.
#1 Kylian Mbappe, the undisputed star of PSG
When Lionel Messi and Neymar left this summer, many doubted PSG's ability to compete for trophies on all fronts, and a dip in form was expected. Kylian Mbappe, who too was on the brink of leaving, has stepped up to the plate effectively in the aforementioned duo's absence to steady the ship.
The Frenchman recovered from a poor showing in their 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Newcastle United in their last Champions League game to serve up a ferocious performance. It was capped off with a goal too.
After coming incredibly close to scoring on two occasions, Mbappe got third-time lucky, in the 32nd minute. Latching onto a pass from Zaire-Emery to make a few step-overs and bamboozle Fikayo Tomori, the 24-year-old then fired a shot beyond Mike Maignan to break the deadlock.
Milan had no answer to Mbappe's quick feet and excellent ball control as the latter cut a swathe through their defense in a barnstorming opening half. It's a shame that he couldn't add more goals.