PSG’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the French League One soccer match between Amiens and Paris-Saint-Germain at the Stade de la Licorne stadium in Amiens, France, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
By Jerome Pugmire, Associated Press
PARIS (AP) — Kylian Mbappe struck his French league-leading 14th goal as Paris Saint-Germain won at Amiens 3-0 on Saturday.
The 20-year-old Mbappe has 14 goals in only 13 games, compared to 13 in 27 matches last season for PSG. France’s World Cup star is well on course to eclipse his best tally of 15 in 2017, when he was a rising star of world soccer and won the title with Monaco.
The win moved PSG 13 points clear of second-place Lille , having played two games less.
Edinson Cavani put PSG ahead from the penalty spot after 57 minutes and, after Mbappe struck in the 70th, center half Marquinhos completed the scoring in the 79th.
It was a return to winning ways after the humiliating home defeat to struggler Guingamp in the League Cup on Wednesday.
Amiens almost caught PSG with a perfect sucker-punch seconds before halftime, when a PSG free kick was cleared and Colombian Stiven Mendoza sprinted down the field before crossing into the penalty area. The ball fell to midfielder Eddy Gnahore, whose shot was kicked away by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
It was a reprieve for PSG, which was missing Brazil star Neymar. He was rested by coach Thomas Tuchel after taking a minor knock to his knee against Guingamp.
“There was a clash of knees and he felt some pain in the knee. He wasn’t free in his movements,” Tuchel said after the Amiens game. “It was too risky (to play him). It’s more important he’s not injured so he can be with us in Doha.”
Qatar-owned PSG is flying to Doha on Sunday for a four-day training camp.
Amiens looked in control until midfielder Alexis Blin slid to block a shot from Angel Di Maria with his arm. In the absence of Neymar, Cavani took the penalty and converted it confidently for his 11th league goal.
Midway through the second half, Amiens went down to 10 men when left back Khaled Adenon was sent off for a second yellow card after pulling back Mbappe.
Moments later, Mbappe swept in a fine cross from Cavani following a counterattack quickly launched by midfielder Julian Draxler, who dribbled his way into the area to set up Marquinhos.
OTHER MATCHES
Tunisia forward Wahbi Khazri’s deflected free kick helped Saint-Etienne win at Guingamp 1-0 to move up to fourth place.
It was Khazri’s career-best 10th league goal.
Former France and Arsenal great Patrick Vieira’s Nice side is up to sixth after beating Bordeaux 1-0 at home.
Allan Saint-Maximin’s penalty after 16 minutes was enough for victory.
SUNDAY’S GAMES
In the pick of Sunday’s games, midfielder Cesc Fabrergas could make his debut for 19th-place Monaco at Marseille.
Elsewhere, Montpellier is at relegation battler Dijon.
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