Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a 4-1 victory at Barcelona

The night did not start well for last year’s runners-up when they fell behind to Lionel Messi’s 27th-minute penalty.

Messi, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was then upstaged on his own turf by France World Cup winner Mbappe as PSG ruthlessly exposed the hosts.

Mbappe becomes only the third player to score a Champions League hat-trick against Barcelona, and the first since Andriy Shevchenko did it for Dynamo Kiev in 1997. What a talent he is. Barca aren’t out of this tie yet – recent history tells us that – but they’ll have to be much better in Paris to have a hope of progressing. PSG were rampant in the second half especially.

PSG head back to France with a commanding first-leg lead after demolishing Barca on their own turf despite going behind. Mbappe grabbed a hat-trick in an outstanding performance, even if Barca wilted towards the end. Without Neymar and Angel Di Maria, this win is a statement from PSG.

These two will meet again at the Parc des Princes in three weeks’ time then. Barca have a job on their hands while PSG are in the driving seat to go through. The Parisians look serious contenders for the trophy once again.