Mbappe’s late goal sends Lille top of Ligue 1

Ethan Mbappe’s goal secured Lille’s top position in Ligue 1, overtaking Monaco and Rennes on goal difference. (AFP pic) In Paris, Mbappe avenged his Champions League red card by scoring a late goal in a 2-0 victory over Troyes on Sunday. The 19-year-old, son of France and Real Madrid star Kylian, had been sent off in the previous Wednesday’s 3-2 home defeat to Real Betis in Europe for elbowing an opponent.

Despite the incident, Mbappe came on as a substitute to ensure victory in stoppage time, following the hosts’ first-half lead via Portuguese full-back Tiago Santos. Mbappe celebrated his first goal since December with a subdued apology to supporters for his red card, but his strike propelled Lille above Monaco and Rennes at the top of the table.

The team has amassed 10 points from a possible 12 under new coach Davide Ancelotti, son of Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti. Paris Saint-Germain seek their first win of the season as they travel to unbeaten Brest later on Sunday. Luis Enrique’s side began their quest for a third consecutive Champions League title with a thrashing of Slovan Bratislava 6-1 in midweek. However, they have collected only two points from their opening three matches in Ligue 1.