Kylian Mbappe scored five goals, including a 12-minute hat-trick in the first half, as Paris Saint-Germain won 7-0 at Pays de Cassel in the French Cup to set up a round-of-16 match at bitter rival Marseille.
It was his first hat-trick since France’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina on December 18. It took Mbappé’s tally to 25 goals in 24 games this season and moved him onto 196 overall for PSG — four short of Edinson Cavani’s club record.
Mbappe became the first PSG player on Monday to score five goals in a competitive match.
“We came here to respect this team by playing at our level. That’s what we did and we’re very happy,” Mbappe said. “It was a great opportunity for them and also for us, because it’s a reminder for us that we come from amateur football and it’s important to keep this link.”
PSG coach Christophe Galtier kept his word and picked a strong side, with World Cup top-scorer Mbappe and Neymar in the line-up, although he rested World Cup winner Lionel Messi for the game played at northern sideLens’ home stadium.
Neymar was anonymous until he collected a yellow card for a rash late tackle in the 26th. Galtier looked increasingly agitated with his underperforming team when Mbappe put record 14- time cup winner PSG ahead from a Nuno Mendes cross in the 29th minute.
Neymar was roundly jeered by the crowd when he scored PSG’s second goal with a skilful effort in the 33rd, before Mbappé netted with a lob and a slick chipped finish.
