# Paris Saint-Germain Beats Ajaccio in Ligue 1 Round 18 with Mbappe's Double and Messi's Assist
In a thrilling encounter that showcased the prowess of two of football's most formidable talents, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first win of the season against Ajaccio on Sunday night in the highly anticipated Ligue 1 Round 18.
The match was played at the Stade de France in Lyon, where PSG dominated from start to finish, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Mbappe's double helped PSG break open the game in the 42nd minute, while Messi provided an assist for his teammate's goal.
### Key Highlights
1. **Kylian Mbappe's Double**: The French superstar continued his impressive form, scoring twice in quick succession to give PSG a comfortable lead.
- First goal: In the 42nd minute, Mbappe latched onto a corner kick, dribbled past several defenders, and slotted it into the net.
- Second goal: In the 57th minute, Mbappe found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and converted the penalty shot, securing the decisive victory for PSG.
2. **Lionel Messi's Assist**: Despite not scoring, Messi demonstrated his crucial role in PSG's attack with a well-timed pass that set up Mbappe for his second goal. His precise distribution allowed the striker to exploit the space in front of the goal.
3. **Defensive Performance**: Ajaccio showed resilience throughout the match, but PSG's solid defense and controlled play prevented them from finding any significant openings.
4. **Steady Start**: From the outset, PSG maintained their dominance, creating numerous chances through their attacking options like Neymar, Lucas Higuaín, and Angel Di María.
5. **Home Advantage**: The home crowd at the Stade de France contributed to the atmosphere, with chants and energy adding to PSG's momentum.
### Impact on the Season
This victory is significant for PSG as they look to secure their position in the top four of Ligue 1. With just eight games left in the regular season, this win moves them closer to reaching their goal. It also provides a morale boost after a disappointing start to the season.
For Ajaccio, the defeat comes as a blow, especially considering they were expected to be stronger given their recent performance. The team will need to address some issues if they want to maintain their competitiveness in Ligue 1.
### Conclusion
Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Ajaccio demonstrates the strength of both teams' attacking abilities. Mbappe's double and Messi's assist were pivotal in securing the win, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad. This result serves as a reminder of why PSG remains one of the top clubs in Europe, capable of challenging even the best teams in the league.