Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Replaces Kylian Mbappe With Ibrahim Mbaye

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) kicked off their Ligue 1 title defence with a 4-1 victory over Le Havre on Friday. This was their first competitive match since Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid. Lee Kang-in opened the scoring for PSG within three minutes, but Gautier Lloris equalised for Le Havre. Late goals from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and a Randal Kolo Muani penalty secured the win for PSG.

The match saw PSG's substitutes making a significant impact, showcasing the team's depth. "It is the first game back and it's a very good start," remarked PSG's coach Luis Enrique. The French trio of Kolo Muani, Dembele, and Barcola started on the bench, while Joao Neves made his debut at half-time after joining from Benfica.

Key Moments and VAR Decisions

Le Havre had moments where they could have changed the game's outcome. Josue Casimir's goal early in the second half was disallowed by VAR for handball. "We had highs and lows, but the substitutes did a lot of good for us," added Luis Enrique. He acknowledged that despite the scoreline, there were areas needing improvement.

PSG has not yet replaced Mbappe with any marquee signings after his departure in June. Mbappe left a significant void, having scored 44 goals last season and holding a club record of 256 goals over seven years. Whether Luis Enrique's team can replicate last season's success remains to be seen.

Young Talent Shines

Ibrahim Mbaye, only 16 years old, debuted on the left wing for PSG. He was one of three teenagers in the starting lineup alongside Yoram Zague and Warren Zaire-Emery, both 18. Lee Kang-in scored first by converting a pass from Goncalo Ramos into a deflected shot that found the far corner.

Ramos had to leave due to an ankle injury, replaced by Kolo Muani who hit the bar with a header shortly after coming on. Le Havre improved under new coach Didier Digard as Abdoulaye Toure had an offside goal disallowed before Lloris equalised early in the second half.

Late Goals Secure Victory
The hosts thought they had taken the lead when Casimir scored, but VAR ruled it out for handball after a lengthy review. Lee hit the post before Dembele restored PSG's lead with a header from Neves' cross in the 85th minute. Barcola added another goal shortly after with a superb curl into the net.

Kolo Muani then won and converted a late penalty to wrap up PSG's victory at Stade Oceane. Last season's runners-up Monaco face Saint-Etienne on Saturday, while Roberto De Zerbi will lead Marseille against Brest in his first game in charge.

PSG's performance showed promise despite missing several regulars like Nuno Mendes due to suspension and Fabian Ruiz who is still recovering post-Euro 2024 triumph with Spain.