- Kylian Mbappé - 13', 81'
- Fabinho - 49' Pen
Kylian Mbappe scores twice as Monaco ease to win over Caen
Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe received a standing ovation from Caen supporters after the rising star of French football scored twice in a 3-0 win.
The teenage striker tormented Caen throughout, posting yet another remarkable performance in Ligue 1 in a game that he also earned a penalty. It meant Monaco stretched their lead at the top of the table to six points, although PSG host Lyon on Sunday evening.
Mbappe, who has now scored nine of Monaco's last 18 league goals, took his personal tally to 12 this season with the composure of a seasoned striker.
He scored the opener in the 13th minute, making the most of a long ball from defender Jemerson. Mbappe controlled the ball with a fine first touch, combined well with Valere Germain for a one-two, evaded two defenders and unleashed a left-footed shot past keeper Remi Vercoutre to cap the move.
The 18-year-old, whose skills have led to comparisons with Thierry Henry, showed unselfishness four minutes later when he dummied the ball through his legs, a move that set up Germain in the box. The striker had his shot blocked by a defender and the ball went wide.
Mbappe's speed was on display after the interval when he burst down the left flank and won a penalty after running half the pitch before defender Damien Da Silva fouled him in the box. Fabinho made it 2-0 from the spot and Mbappe completed his brace with nine minutes left with a header from Bernardo Silva's cross.
Mbappe was included Thursday in France coach Didier Deschamp's squad for a World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg and a friendly against Spain.
Caen was overrun throughout and created only a few worthwhile moves. Their best chance was foiled by Danijel Subasic in the 72nd minute, a header from Alaeddine Yahia that the Monaco keeper easily stopped.
Game Information
French Ligue 1 Standings
Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paris Saint-Germain | 16 | 12 | 4 | 0 | +30 | 40 |
Marseille | 15 | 9 | 3 | 3 | +14 | 30 |
AS Monaco | 16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | +10 | 30 |
Lille | 15 | 7 | 6 | 2 | +10 | 27 |
Lyon | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | +7 | 25 |
Nice | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | +9 | 24 |
Lens | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | +5 | 24 |
AJ Auxerre | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 21 |
Toulouse | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 21 |
Stade de Reims | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | +2 | 20 |
Brest | 15 | 6 | 1 | 8 | -3 | 19 |
Stade Rennais | 15 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 17 |
Strasbourg | 15 | 4 | 5 | 6 | -2 | 17 |
Nantes | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | -7 | 14 |
Angers | 15 | 3 | 4 | 8 | -12 | 13 |
Saint-Etienne | 15 | 4 | 1 | 10 | -22 | 13 |
Le Havre AC | 15 | 4 | 0 | 11 | -18 | 12 |
Montpellier | 15 | 2 | 3 | 10 | -23 | 9 |