Paris (AFP)

Paris Saint-Germain quietly extended their stunning start in Ligue 1 with a fifth victory in as many days, against Clermont (4-0) on Saturday, and perfectly prepared for their entry into the Champions League scheduled for Wednesday.

The absence of the South Americans did not hinder the race of the leader, who inflicted on Clermont the very first defeat in its history in L1, thanks to a double from Ander Herrera (20th, 31st), a very reconciling goal. by Kylian Mbappé (55th) and a header from Idrissa Gana Gueye (65th).

Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé dribbles Clermont goalkeeper Arthur Desmas and scores the 3rd goal during their Ligue 1 match on September 11, 2021 at Parc des Princes FRANCK FIFE AFP

The machine is running well, even without his Argentines Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes or his Brazilian Neymar, at rest for having played on the night of Thursday to Friday in qualifying for the World-2022.

All these stars should join Mbappé in the PSG constellation for the debut of the C1 group stage in Bruges on Wednesday, where the magic trio Messi-Neymar-Mbappé could finally be aligned.

The only member of the "MNM's" on the lawn carried his team, involved in three of the four goals, and managed a charm operation.

If a few whistles accompanied his name in the composition of the teams, by the supporters who are still angry with him for his desires of Real Madrid this summer, his first dangerous action was applauded (26th).

And his name has been acclaimed wholeheartedly, and three times, on his goal.

- Donnarumma first -

Mbappé, the statistics enthusiast, takes the opportunity to take the lead in the scorers standings alone with 4 goals.

Clermontois Mohamed Bayo and Elbasan Rashani were also 3 goals before the match, but the Guinean was forfeited and the Kosovar entered only for the last half hour, without scoring.

Besides Mbappé, another Parisian star captured the attention, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, lined up for the first time.

Keylor Navas, who played for Costa Rica overnight Wednesday through Thursday, was on the bench.

Beyond a slight fright on a control of the foot (80th), the Italian stood out above all for his superb pistachio outfit matched with fluorescent orange gloves and crampons.

He hardly had the opportunity to score decisive points in his competition with Navas.

Paris Saint-Germain's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before the Ligue 1 home game against Clermont on September 11, 2021 at Parc des Princes FRANCK FIFE AFP

At the change of side, he was treated to his song from the Auteuil turn to the tune of the lanterns, "Donnarumma! Donnarumma!", But had no big stops to make, despite the efforts of Auvergne.

However, true to his fresh reputation, Clermont played courageously, with his pressing very high, sometimes even in the Parisian area.

But Pascal Gastien's men were rarely dangerous, except on a diving center from Jodel Dossou that Pierre-Yves Hamel could not cut, to a few centimeters (27th), or a rise in dribbling from Jim Allevinah (43rd).

- Double of Herrera -

But they do not have the same weapons ... The players usually on the bench of PSG would be stars in Clermont, like Ander Herrera.

The versatile and always available Spanish midfielder signed a double by appearing each time in the right place.

He first opened the scoring with a header, taking advantage of a good work from Achraf Hakimi: Arthur Desmas could only push the center of the Moroccan with his glove, and sent him to Herrera.

The goal of the double owed a lot to Mbappé, who feigned Cédric Hountondji with a dry hook to cross, but the ball was blocked by the other central Auvergne, Florent Ogier, to land once again on Herrera.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ander Herrera of Spain scores his second goal against Clermont in their Ligue 1 match on September 11, 2021 at Parc des Princes FRANCK FIFE AFP

The Basque even had a treble ball, but his strike was countered by Zedadka (39th), from the chest.

Mbappé himself signed the third, on one of those counter-flashes of which he has the secret, thanks to a beautiful bell pass from Julian Draxler.

The joy of Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé after scoring the 3rd goal against Clermont, during their Ligue 1 match, on September 11, 2021 at the Parc des Princes FRANCK FIFE AFP

Then it led to the goal of "Gana", who headed off a strike from the world champion deflected by Desmas.

The Senegalese, at the start of the action, well deserved to conclude it.

Finally the last Parisian recruit, the Portuguese side Nuno Mendes, made his first minutes at the end of the match.

The sumptuous Parisian casting will be more complete in Bruges ...

© 2021 AFP