Paris Saint-Germain reasserted their six-point lead in the Ligue 1 title race with a comprehensive thrashing of Ajaccio, who were relegated into France’s second tier.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring before Achraf Hakimi followed in a saved shot on the rebound.
Mbappe bagged his first two minutes into the second half before an awesome strike from the edge of the box put Christophe Galtier’s side 4-0 up within an hour.
Mohamed Youssouf’s own goal finished the scoring, though there was still time for Achraf Hakimi and Thomas Mangini to be sent off before the full time whistle blew.
Lionel Messi was back in the starting lineup having had his suspension lifted by PSG, though all signs suggest a return to Barcelona is looking likelier and likelier for the Argentine World Cup winner.
PSG dominated early possession before taking the lead in the 22nd minute. Danilo Pereira’s pass towards Hugo Ekitike was instead taken by Ruiz, who flicked the ball into the top corner with the outside of his boot.
Ajaccio continued to be penned in, having to take last ditch measures in defence to stop the hosts adding to their lead. It mattered little, however, as PSG soon went 2-0 up.
Juan Bernat volleyed a cross to Mbappe, who wriggled free to get a show away. Francois-Joseph Sollacaro made the save but could only palm the ball to Hakimi, who finished well from a slightly cute angle.
The home side’s advantage was stretched to three goals through slightly calamitous circumstances for visiting keeper Sollacaro.
A cross eventually made its way to Mbappe after some pinball action in the box. The France captain smashed a shot at Sollacaro and it burst through the goalie with enough back-spin to travel over the line.
There was nothing calamitous about the way Mbappe grabbed his second, however.
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Sergio Ramos’ punt forward was headed into the air by an Ajaccio defender and Mbappe took his volley first time, sending a searing strike into the top corner for his 26th Ligue 1 goal of the season.
Some last ditch defending from the visitors couldn’t prevent a fifth goal going in. Marquinhos’ attempted drive instead deflected off Youssouf’s leg and ricocheted past Sollacaro.
The win means PSG have a hand of the Ligue 1 title, though the heavy boos for the returning Messi reminded everyone watching of the major issues at play in Paris.
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6/10 – Largely a spectator with very little to do.
CB: Marquinhos…
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