Friendly match – A goal from Mbappé and a walk: PSG is slowly gaining momentum

PSG quietly continues its preparation. After victories against Quevilly Rouen (2-0) and Kawasaki Frontale (1-2), the Parisians easily won against the Urawa Red Diamonds this Saturday (3-0) thanks to goals from Pablo Sarabia, Kylian Mbappé and Arnaud Kalimuendo. Christophe Galtier was able to play a multitude of players once again. The next meeting of the capital club will take place on Monday against Osaka.

Mbappé and Verratti as bosses

In the heat and humidity of Saitama, Christophe Galtier’s men quietly continued their preparation. Slightly jostled by Red Diamonds in the legs at the start of the game, the Parisians quickly took control of the game. On their first opportunity, PSG opened the scoring thanks to a one-touch game from Kylian Mbappé and Mauro Icardi and a dry volley from Pablo Sarabia (1-0, 16th). His first goal in this Japan Tour 2022.

Led by a Marco Verratti in the oven and in the mill and a Kylian Mbappé, the only one to bring speed in front, PSG doubled the lead thanks to their star striker. Served by Bernat in the area, the native of Bondy feigned a cross to finally shoot in force at the near post (2-0, 35th). Startled, Nishikawa couldn’t do anything. Shortly before the break, Keylor Navas made a nice reflex save (41st) to maintain the Parisians’ two-goal advantage at halftime.

Navas and Rico shone, Kalimuendo still scorer

Upon returning from the locker room, after a multitude of substitutions from Christophe Galtier, PSG experienced a few cold sweats but their goalkeepers were able to make the necessary stops. As in the first act, Keylor Navas made a new reflex save against Linssen (51st). Then, Sergio Rico, who came into play in place of the Costa Rican, won against Mitsuzaki, served behind (65th).

In the last quarter of an hour, the Parisians accelerated. After a cross shot from Nuno Mendes hitting the post (75th), Arnaud Kalimuendo scored his second goal of this Japan Tour 2022 by taking over a center from the Portuguese side in front of Niekawa at the near post (76th). The 20-year-old striker, whose future at PSG is still unclear in July, had already found the net against Kawasaki Frontale. His star teammates, Lionel Messi and Neymar, entered for the last half hour, did not find the fault. Monday, perhaps, against Osaka (12 p.m. French time) for the last match of this Japanese tour.