PSG Maintain Perfect Start to Ligue 1, Ethan Mbappe Strikes Late for Lille

Paris Saint-Germain extended their flawless start to the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season with a 2-0 victory over Lens on Sunday, thanks to a brace from Bradley Barcola, while Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Kylian, scored deep into injury time to secure a dramatic last-gasp win for Lille against Toulouse.

The reigning French champions moved back to the top of the table with their fourth win from four matches. However, the triumph came at a cost, as coach Luis Enrique faced new injury concerns ahead of PSG's Champions League opener next week.

Injured players included:

“Unfortunately, Kvara was tackled in the first half and couldn’t continue. For Kang-in it doesn’t look too serious, but Beraldo seems to be worse off,” Enrique told Bein Sports.

Despite the mounting injury list, Enrique insisted the squad remained capable: “It happens to everyone. It’s a bit of a difficult time for us because we have injured players. We have to wait for the (test) results. But our team has the ability to adapt and respond.”

Match Summary:

• 15th minute: Barcola opened the scoring with a curling 20-yard strike.
• 30th minute: Kvaratskhelia limped off with a calf problem, casting doubt over his midweek European start.
• 51st minute: Barcola doubled PSG’s lead with a right-footed strike after driving in from the left.
• Second half: Lee Kang-in and Lucas Beraldo were forced off due to injury, further complicating PSG’s selection options.

Earlier on Sunday, 18-year-old Ethan Mbappe scored eight minutes into added time to give Lille a 2-1 home win against Toulouse, after trailing until the dying moments of the game.

Key Moments:

Both goals came from late substitutes introduced by Lille coach Bruno Genesio, following Toulouse being reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute.

Mbappe, who joined Lille in July 2024 following his departure from PSG after Kylian’s transfer to Real Madrid, described the strike as an ideal return: “Last year was a bit of a difficult year for me, with a lot of injuries. Coming back with a goal, honestly, there’s no better way to start a new season.”

Ligue 1 Table Implications

• PSG: 12 points from 4 matches, top of the table after win over Lens.
• Lille: 10 points, briefly top before PSG’s victory.
• Lyon: Can reclaim top spot with a win against Rennes in the final weekend match.

Other Results: