JEROME PUGMIRE
Kylian Mbappé got a mixed reception from Paris Saint-Germain fans in his last home game for the club before scoring in a 3-1 home defeat against Toulouse in the French league on Sunday.
Mbappé grabbed his league-leading 27th goal of the season in the eighth minute after sprinting clear and rounding the goalkeeper.
But defensive errors followed as French champion PSG slipped to only its second league defeat of the season, but third straight overall after back-to-back 1-0 losses against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semifinals.
As the lineups were announced at Parc des Princes, there were loud jeers from sections of the crowd when Mbappé’s name was read out. But shortly after, ultra supporters from the CUP — Paris Ultras Collective — unfurled a banner in his honor behind one of the goals.
It read “Enfant de la Banlieu” (Kid from the Suburbs) in reference to the Parisian suburb of Bondy where Mbappé grew up. They also made a giant tifo in his image, featuring Mbappé in a trademark pose with his arms crossed. Mbappé went over to the fans and applauded.
After the final whistle, fans sang “On est les Champions” (We are the Champions) but did not chant Mbappé’s name.
Mbappé publicly confirmed on Friday that he is leaving at the end of the season, having already informed the club in mid-February. He spoke Friday in a video posted on X and not through the club’s communications department.
Although he has yet to announce his destination, Mbappé is widely expected to join 14-time Champions League winner Real Madrid.
Mbappé’s early goal was quickly canceled out by Dutch striker Thijs Dallinga following slack defending.
Midway through the second period, PSG’s defenders backed off and forward Yann Gboho curled a fine shot into the top right corner. With seconds remaining in stoppage time, striker Frank Magri volleyed in from close range.
“Even though we are champions, we shouldn’t lose in this manner,” PSG winger Ousmane Dembélé said. “We have to give the best versions of ourselves in every game.”
Mbappé has three matches remaining — two league games and the French Cup final against Lyon on May 25 — to add to his club-record tally of 256 goals.
Also on Sunday, Monaco clinched second place with a 2-0 win at Montpellier.
Defender Kassoum Ouatara and France midfielder Youssouf Fofana grabbed the goals for Monaco, which is six points clear of both third-place Lille and fourth-place Brest.
The top three qualify directly for the Champions League and the fourth-place side enters the qualifying rounds.
Canada striker Jonathan David reached 19 league goals as Lille won 2-1 at Nantes, and veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice to move onto 16 goals as Marseille won 3-1 at home to Lorient.
Rock-bottom Clermont was relegated after losing 1-0 at home to Lyon. Also, Metz lost 2-1 at Strasbourg, and Rennes drew 1-1 with Lens.
AP
