This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
On a sweltering day in Suzhou, China, Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe stole the show, scoring a breathtaking first goal in a 3-0 win over Sydney FC on Tuesday.
With Brazilian star Neymar still working his way back to full fitness, Mbappe was the focus of attention, and he did not disappoint. The 20-year-old French prodigy was a constant threat, and his chemistry with strike partner Edinson Cavani was on full display.
Despite a few early hiccups, including a squandered chance when Mbappe and Cavani got in each other's way, PSG eventually found their rhythm. The Parisians laid siege to the Sydney goal, and it was only a matter of time before they broke through.
Mbappe finally got his chance on 37 minutes, exchanging passes with Juan Bernat before firing a shot beyond goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne. Six minutes later, Cavani doubled the lead, hooking the ball in after Redmayne parried.
PSG's attacking trio of Mbappe, Cavani, and Neymar has been the subject of much debate, with German midfielder Julian Draxler suggesting that they have "egos". However, on Tuesday, they worked together seamlessly, with Mbappe and Cavani combining for two goals.
PSG will look to build on this momentum when they face Rennes in the domestic Trophee des Champions on Saturday in Shenzhen.
