Paris Sainte-Germain have retained the top spot in the French Ligue 1 with a 3-1 win over Metz on Wednesday night at the Parc Des Princes.

PSG star Kylian Mbappe, whose birthday was Wednesday, scored twice as the Ligue 1 champions defeated a spirited Metz side to maintain their lead at the top of Ligue 1 heading into the winter break.

Mbappe, who is now 25, was barely a threat in the first half but found his footing after the break as he scored twice – the first being an absolute screamer after Vitinha’s opener.

As PSG went two goals up, Matthieu Udol halved the deficit to 2-1 before Mbappe’s second; PSG showed their mettle and their quality count to remain five points clear after second-placed Nice beat Lens.

Despite their dominance of possession in the first half, PSG had little to show for it. The closest they got was when Vitinha’s blocked shot the closest they went as Metz repeatedly threatened to counter-attack the visitors, even hitting the woodwork when Danilo headed against his crossbar.

Mbappe, whose chances were reduced to shots from distance after he somehow failed to connect with Bradley Barcola’s cross.

They upped their tempo after the break, with PSG breaking the deadlock in the 49th minute.

Lee Kang-in’s cross found Vitinha who made no mistake by netting his fifth Ligue 1 goal of the season.

Mbappe then made it two with a stunner from 20 yards out. The ball dipped at the crucial moment to leave Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja flummoxed.

Udol reduced the deficit with a good header, which made for a nervous finale until Mbappe put the game to bed.

PSG will have enough time to rest as they head into the winter holiday on a high.

Before having a congested schedule next year, it is hoped that Luis Enrique’s men will keep up the good work.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed