Mbappé limps off in PSG’s 4-0 rout of Marseille

PARIS, France (AP):

Forwards Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos scored their first goals for Paris Saint-Germain in a 4-0 home rout of Marseille in the French league yesterday, but the victory was marred by an injury scare for star striker Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe limped off in the 32nd minute after taking EUa blow to the left ankle earlier in the game and trying to play on. He walked off the field at Parc des Princes, and PSG coach Luis Enrique indicated Mbappe's injury was not serious.

"He was in a bit of pain, and it was difficult for him to play," he told broadcaster Amazon. "It was wiser to take him off, but it's just a blow."

Mbappe is the league's top scorer with seven goals so far.

Kolo Muani became the third-most expensive signing in PSG's history when he joined in the final hours of the transfer window from Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt for EU95 million (US$103 million). Ramos is on a season-long loan from Benfica with an option to buy next June.

The win moved defending champion PSG to third place with 11 points from six games, ahead of Monaco on goal difference. PSG is one point behind second-place Nice and two adrift of surprise leader Brest after six games. Marseille dropped to seventh after their first league defeat.

Marseille have been in crisis after another managerial upheaval rocked them this week, with Spanish coach Marcelino stepping down. They still managed to salvage a 3-3 draw away to Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday.

Right back Achraf Hakimi put PSG ahead in the eighth minute with a powerful free kick from the right side of the penalty area. Portugal forward Vitinha hit the crossbar with a header for Marseille midway through the first half.

After that chance, PSG dominated.

Kolo Muani struck in the 37th when Hakimi's shot came back off the post and was deflected somewhat fortuitously into his path by Marseille goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

Ramos, who came on for Mbappe, made it 3-0 two minutes into the second half when he headed in Ousmane Dembele's cross. His second came in the 89th from Kolo Muani's assist.

Earlier yesterday, Lens rallied to beat Toulouse 2-1 at home for their first win of the season and moved off the bottom.

Lens finished second and only one point behind PSG in a remarkable campaign last season but sold their two best players and struggled to adapt.

In other matches, midfielder Habib Diarra's late goal gave Strasbourg a 1-0 win at Metz, and Le Havre scored twice inside the first seven minutes in a 2-1 win against Clermont, who dropped to last place.