Stade Brestois 29 2-3 Paris Saint-Germain

THE MATCH

Fresh from their impressive 3-0 dismantling of AC Milan in the Champions League in midweek, Paris Saint-Germain were looking to keep it rolling as they made the trip west to take on Stade Brestois 29 - but it was no walk in the park for Luis Enrique's men as Les Pirates gave them a real run for their money.

The script seemed to be going Paris Saint-Germain's way early, with a string of chances in the first 15 minutes before 17-year-old Parisian prodigy Warren Zaïre-Emery smashed home a superb strike from distance after carving out a modicum of space on the edge of the box (16').

Shortly thereafter, Kylian Mbappé looked to ensure his place atop the Ligue 1 Uber Eats scorers chart by scoring his ninth of the season with carbon-copy finish of his goal against Milan -  teed up by the excellent Kang-in Lee. Just when his defender thought he would look to curl it in at the far post, Mbappé hit a low, hard shot that nutmegged/deflected off Brest captain Brendan Chardonnet and beat the excellent Marco Bizot at his near post (28').

Brest return fire

But Les Pirates are no pushovers, and they brought their fighting spirit - and slick counter-attacking skills - to bear just before the break. Steve Mounié latched perfectly onto Kenny Lala's cross with a header that deflected off Danilo Pereira and in to make it 2-1 (43').

And Brest maintained their push after the break, the home side's relentless pressure paying off when striker Jérémy Le Douaron conjured a stunning glancing header that left Gigio Donnarumma with no chance as it sailed in at the far post to level the score in dramatic fashion (52').

This set the match up for a thrilling finish, with both sides going at it hammer and tongs. But it was upon the visitors that fate chose to smile, a foul in the area on substitute Randal Kolo Muani identified by VAR as penalty worthy. And although Bizot saved Mbappé's middling initial effort, the rebound fell invitingly for the France superstar and he duly slotted home to get PSG's nose in front and complete his fourth brace, which takes his season tally to ten in nine league appearances!

Heartbreaking for Brest, who were not cowed by their visitors' credentials but slip to provisional sixth place, and who now turn their attentions to what should be an entertainingly attacking match away to Monaco in Round 10. Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, climb to provisional second ahead of their Round 11 clash at home to Montpellier on Friday night.

THE PLAYER: Warren Zaïre-Emery

Although Kylian Mbappé bagged the brace that clinched the narrow win - and despite strong showings from fellow youngsters Kang-in Lee and Bradley Barcola - Paris Saint-Germain's France U21 midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery was perhaps the most impressive performer in the match.

Despite being just 17 years of age, the PSG youth academy product is getting better and better as he racks up the appearances for Luis Enrique. After providing five assists in all competitions so far this season (including three in the Champions League), he bagged his first goal of the campaign with a stunning long-range effort that left Bizot no chance.

Ligue 1 Uber Eats defenders now know that when the youngster makes his trademark burst out of midfield, he has plenty of quality with the shot - and not just with the assist - to watch out for. A superstar in the making!

THE STAT: 17

While PSG bossed the possession (55.8%) and passing (516 vs 386) stats, Les Pirates' counter-attacking prowess was clear to see in terms of the chances they created - 17 compared to PSG's 14. Eric Roy's men never look better than when they are hitting on the counter, and they are very efficient with it, creating and taking chances at an excellent clip. Swashbuckling indeed!