Mbappe's birthday brilliance secures PSG's win over Metz

Paris Saint-Germain celebrated the year-end atop Ligue 1 with a convincing 3-1 victory against Metz, led by Kylian Mbappe's sensational performance on his 25th birthday.

At Parc des Princes, the match started sluggishly for PSG, but Vitinha changed the tempo, scoring swiftly after the break with a debut goal. Mbappe then stole the spotlight, doubling the lead with a spectacular long-range strike, showcasing his sheer brilliance. 

Despite Matthieu Udol's determined header for Metz, Mbappe struck again, capitalising on a defensive mistake, closing the game 3-1 and securing his 18th league goal of the season.

Adding to Mbappe's jubilation, his younger brother Ethan made a memorable senior debut during stoppage time.

The win solidified PSG's position at the top of the league, boasting a comfortable five-point lead over closest rivals, Nice, who secured a 2-0 win against Lens, courtesy of Terem Moffi's late brace. Monaco trailed PSG by seven points despite a commendable comeback, clinching a 2-1 win against Toulouse with Wissam Ben Yedder's double, even after Aleksandr Golovin's dismissal.

In other league clashes, Brest dominated Lorient 4-0, fueled by Kamory Doumbia's stunning four-goal display, propelling them to fourth place. Lille suffered a setback, falling 2-1 to Strasbourg under Patrick Vieira's guidance.

However, the match between Marseille and Montpellier was marred by disruptions when fireworks caused a five-minute pause in the game. Montpellier, who had previously faced disciplinary action due to a firecracker incident, faced more trouble with their coach, Michel Der Zakarian, expressing dismay over the episode.

Elsewhere, Reims clinched a 1-0 win over Le Havre through Keito Nakamura's lone goal. Rennes staged a late surge to secure a 3-1 victory against bottom-placed Clermont.

In a crucial match for survival, Lyon climbed out of the relegation zone, claiming a vital 1-0 victory against Nantes courtesy of an Alexandre Lacazette goal, marking their third consecutive win after a challenging start to the season.