High-scoring PSG thrash Montpellier in Ligue 1: Key stats
What's the story
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) began their first home game of the Ligue 1 season with a resounding 6-0 victory over Montpellier.
Bradley Barcola led the charge by scoring twice, with Marco Asensio, Achraf Hakimi, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Lee Kang-in also contributing to the goal tally at Parc des Princes.
This win marks a strong start for PSG in their post-Kylian Mbappe era.
PSG had beaten Le Havre 4-1 in matchweek 1.
Coach's remarks
Enrique hails PSG's performance as 'perfection'
PSG coach Luis Enrique lauded his team's performance as "perfection," following their impressive victory.
He stated, "We had 16 stars tonight, all the players who took part. Sixteen stars in attack and defense, that is perfection, and that is what we are looking for."
The team showcased a dynamic blend of youth and experience with two teenagers starting the match and eight players aged between 18-25.
Details
Match stats and points table
PSG made 27 attempts with 11 shots on target. Montpellier had three shots on target from eight attempts.
PSG enjoyed 69% ball possession and owned a 93% pass accuracy from 744 passes.
The Parisans are top of the Ligue 1 table with six points from two matches. They have already scored 10 goals.
Summary
A six-star performance: Match summary
Barcola opened the scoring after three minutes with an angled strike from nine yards out and Asensio doubled the lead with a low shot from the center of the area.
Dembele's perfect pass gave Barcola the simplest of tap-ins for the third goal eight minutes into the second half.
Hakimi's side-footed volley made it 4-0 before Zaire-Emery slotted home another.
Substitute Lee Kang-in got his second goal in two games when he completed the rout.
Players
Neves and Dembele provide two assists each
Playing just his second match for PSG, since arriving from Benfica, midfielder Joao Neves was brilliant.
For the second match running, Neves clocked two assists, taking his tally to four.
He was instrumental in providing the assists for the first two goals versus Montpellier.
Ousmane Dembele also provided two assists in the match. He now owns 14 assists for PSG since joining the club in the summer of 2023.
Opta stats
15 goals for PSG against Montpellier in three league games
For the 3rd time in four seasons, PSG have now won their first two matches of a Ligue 1 season.
PSG have won 13 of their last 14 games against Montpellier in Ligue 1.
The last three matches against Montpellier in Ligue 1 has witnessed PSG hammer 15 goals.