PARIS —
PARIS (AP) — Kylian Mbappé reappeared in the starting lineup in a domestic competition and took 14 minutes to score on Wednesday in Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 victory over Nice to advance to the French Cup semifinals.
Mbappé was relegated to the substitute bench in the previous two French league games as part of Spanish coach Luis Enrique’s rotations, something that many have interpreted as preparing the club for the star’s expected departure at the end of the season.
Mbappé combined well with Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz and finished with a shot that slipped between goalkeeper Marcin Bulka’s legs for his 35th goal of the season. Ten minutes later, Mbappé shot against the post.
Bulka made a huge mistake for the second goal. He cleared the ball badly and was left spinning around not knowing where the ball would land. Ruiz took the opportunity to define with an empty goal at 33 minutes.
Nice, the only team to defeat leaders PSG in the league this season, pulled one back four minutes later when striker Gaëtan Laborde – scorer of a goal in Nice’s victory in Paris – was unmarked to the right of the penalty area and scored half volley towards the base of the left post.
Winger Jeremie Boga and right back Jordan Lotomba wasted chances for Nice early in the second half. PSG took its toll on the visitors in the 60th minute when Brazilian central defender Lucas Beraldo scored with a header.
In the semi-finals, Lyon will face second division side Valenccienes on April 2. PSG will host Rennes the next day.