After a calf injury forced him to miss Paris Saint-Germain's crunch UEFA Champions League semi-final return leg away to Manchester City - which saw the capital club knocked out of the competition - and the 1-1 draw in Rennes that saw Mauricio Pochettino's men fall three points adrift of Ligue 1 Uber Eats leaders LOSC, Kylian Mbappé returned with a bang on Wednesday night as he twice gave his side the lead against Montpellier.

Although the hosts hit back through Gaetan Laborde and then Andy Delort to force a tense penalty shoot-out, the result went Paris' way when Moise Kean found the back of the net after Montpellier's Junior Sambia had blazed over for the only missed spot-kick off the night.

'Very happy'

With Neymar and Angel Di Maria rested ahead of Sunday's crucial league clash at home to Reims, Mbappé shouldered plenty of attacking responsibility on his return to action and was pleased with how things went, even if it was nervy at the end.

"We wanted to qualify even though I think we could have done so earlier in the match given the chances we had, but we played well. We didn't play badly, but that's the way it is, we needed to get through on penalties," he said after his side made it through to a seventh consecutive final in the competition. "We are very happy to leave here with the qualification and we are going to be able to defend our title next week.

'Work as a team'

The World Cup winner's trademark pace and precision - as well as his fiercely competitive character - were on full display as he carved through the Montpellier defence, even though he was subbed off for Kean eight minutes from time.

"I felt in good form but I tired as the game went on. But yes, I am feeling good," said the Ligue 1 Uber Eats top scorer. "My teammates also made me feel comfortable. They put me in the best conditions possible for me to perform and that's the best thing. We managed to work as a team and perform in this match."

'Give our all'

Paris Saint-Germain now have chance to claim a sixth Coupe de France title in seven years and build on their record 13 titles in the competition when they take the field in the showpiece final at the Stade de France on Wednesday 19 May.

"The final? It will be an opportunity to lift a second trophy after the Trophée des Champions. There is also Ligue 1, which isn't over," he continued. "The Coupe de France is a competition that the club really likes. It's important for the supporters, for the club and for us. We will give our all to defend our title and get the win."

Paris will face either Mbappé's former club AS Monaco or minnows Rumilly, who face off in the second semi-final on Thursday evening.

(Photo: PSG.fr)