Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 title defence with a 4-1 victory over Le Havre on Friday, marking their first competitive match since Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid. Sixteen-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye started on the left wing, with the reigning champions securing the win through late goals.
PSG took the lead within three minutes thanks to Lee Kang-in, but Le Havre’s Gautier Lloris equalized. However, late strikes from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and a Randal Kolo Muani penalty secured the victory. PSG’s substitutes made a significant impact, showcasing the team’s depth against a Le Havre side that narrowly avoided relegation last season.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s coach, acknowledged the strong start but emphasized areas needing improvement, noting that had Le Havre’s disallowed goal stood, it could have changed the game’s outcome. Despite Mbappe’s absence, PSG has yet to make a marquee signing to replace him, and it’s uncertain if they can replicate last season’s successes.
Ibrahim Mbaye’s debut on the left wing was notable, as PSG fielded a youthful lineup with 16-year-old Mbaye and 18-year-olds Yoram Zague and Warren Zaire-Emery. Lee opened the scoring with a deflected shot, but Le Havre fought back, with a VAR decision ruling out what would have been a go-ahead goal for them.
In the closing stages, Dembele headed in a Neves cross, Barcola curled in a third goal, and Kolo Muani secured the win with a late penalty. PSG’s next challenge will be continuing their momentum as they aim to repeat their domestic dominance and push further in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Monaco and Saint-Etienne, as well as Marseille under new coach Roberto De Zerbi, are set to kick off their campaigns over the weekend.
