Kylian Mbappe warmed up for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Manchester United as Paris St Germain came from behind to earn a late 2-1 win at relegation-threatened Caen.
Despite being 18th in the table and without a Ligue 1 win in 2019, Caen took the lead through Casimir Ninga after 56 minutes and looked capable of holding on for a point after the visitor’s quick leveller.
Mbappe equalised with his first penalty of the season in the 59th minute before firing in the winner in the 87th.
The France striker has now scored seven goals in his last five games and will head into the Champions League last-16 second leg clash with United in ominously good form.
PSG had an early chance, but Layvin Kurzawa was only able to hit the bar with a weak effort after a cross from the left by Angel Di Maria fell to the unmarked left-back
Caen had a chance to take the lead against the run of play after Saif-Eddine Khaoui’s free-kick was met by the head of striker Enzo Crivelli, but this time it was the home side’s turn to strike the bar.
Di Maria then had the ball in the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.
The visitors were denied again by the frame of the goal as Marquinhos headed a Di Maria delivery against the bar before sending the rebound over.
Minutes later Mbappe played in the Argentinian, whose placed shot was tipped on to a post by goalkeeper Brice Samba.
PSG were unable to make their pressure pay, though, and found themselves behind when Faycal Fajr’s free-kick picked out Ninga, who controlled the ball before firing home.
Mbappe equaliser from the sport just three minutes later after a Younn Zahary handball.
And, with time running out, the striker grabbed the winner, flicking on a cross for Thomas Meunier before following up to score his 24 league goal of the season after the Belgian’s effort was parried.
