PSG Dominate Montpellier with Spectacular Goals
Paris Saint-Germain, with a team fully committed to the pressing game proposed by their coach—intense, suffocating, and dedicated—bolstered by the valuable addition of Joao Neves, the electrifying Bradley Barcola, and Marco Asensio's goal, secured their second consecutive win.
Ahead of Marseille's Sunday match, the reigning champions have already claimed the top spot in Ligue 1, showcasing their growth and decisiveness against Montpellier with a 6-0 thrashing. From the outset, PSG left Montpellier with virtually no hope at the Parc des Princes, taking the lead in just three minutes and 12 seconds—a clear statement of intent, a lesson learned, and a testament to the team's progression, minimizing their lapses.
Bradley Barcola's sprint down the left flank was unstoppable, as was his finish, using the outside of his right foot to curl the ball into the far post after a quick one-two with Joao Neves in midfield. Making his first start, Neves, the 19-year-old midfielder signed from Benfica for $67 million, has already proven his worth with his game intelligence, pressing, ease in distributing the ball, and exceptional vision for deep passes. In just two matches, he's provided four key assists for his team. Luis Enrique clearly recognizes his potential, starting him from the get-go.
Neves' pass that sliced through Montpellier's defense for the 1-0 was impressive, but his role in the 2-0 was even more so. Barcola, once again uncontainable, combined with Neves at the edge of the box, and the Portuguese international's delicate touch set up Marco Asensio for a first-time finish in the 23rd minute, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
Adding to PSG's dominance, Gianluigi Donnarumma reaffirmed his importance to the team. His spectacular save from a close-range header at the half-hour mark, with PSG already 2-0 up, underscored his value in such an attack-minded squad.
The second half solidified the victory in just 15 minutes. Barcola completed his brace with a goal in the 53rd minute, followed by a stunning volley from Hakimi for 4-0 in the 58th minute. The scoring spree continued with a brilliant strike from Zaire Emery for 5-0 just two minutes later, before Kang-In Lee rounded off the 6-0 rout with a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box. A display of pure dominance.