Two goals from Marco Veratti helped Paris Saint-Germain extend their 11-point advantage at the top of Ligue 1 as they beat Reims 4-0 at the Parc des Princes on Sunday night.
PSG took the lead at the stroke of half-time when the ball fell on the way to Verratti and the Italian scored no fault from 12-yards - his first Ligue 1 goal since 2019.
By Veratti's opener, Rimes had caused PSG some problems at the break, after which striker Hugo Ekitic proved particularly dangerous for Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos. Any potential lover to watch the 19-year-old player would surely have been impressed by his first-half performance.
PSG started the second half well, moving the ball fast and looking for space to break the Rams back line further.
The hosts' persistence paid off when they extended their advantage for the club via Sergio Ramos' first goal, reacting from close toe home from first, just after the hour mark.
Lionel Messi was then introduced for the first time in 2022 after a bout of Covid-19 and, soon after Argentina was thrown into the mix, Verratti incredibly added his second night and PSG's third in all but the points. sealed.
Kylian Mbappe was again on his brink and provided a clean assist for Danilo to add a quarter from the edge of the field, ending a successful evening for the leaders.
The result leaves PSG 11 points behind OGC Nice while Reims remain in 14th place. Mauricio Pochettino's men are in next week's Coupe de France action but will face an interesting journey for defending champions Lille in two weeks' time.
Talking Point - Messi's Return
If the first half were to go, PSG looked like they were going to once again secure an ugly win against a dangerous and flamboyant Reims side. But the league leaders produced their best-half attacking football so far in this period in the second half, which coincided with Messi's return to action. Buoyed by the Argentine return, the Paris players looked far more dangerous in the attack and for Mbappe, who has had to shoulder the burden of the team in the absence of Messi and Neymar, it would be a welcome relief. Ballon d'Or winner back on the pitch. Now is the time for the pair to form a deadly partnership in time for a Champions League return next month.
Man of the Match - Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Where would PSG be without this guy? Once again he was a great player for Pochettino's side and despite not being on the score sheet, the 23-year-old forward played a key role in PSG's attacking game and completed his performance with a brilliant assist for a goal from Danilo. Mbappe came into the game with a groin swallow and was withdrawn at 13 minutes at the right time. A smart move from Pochettino who will need to manage his talismanic fitness with the Champions League, with Real Madrid just three weeks away.
Player rating
Paris Saint-Germain: Navas 6, Kehrer 6, Ramos 6, Marquinhos 7, Nuno Mendes 7, Verratti 8, Danilo 7, Paredes 7, Di Maria 5, Mbappe 8, Icardi 6. Subscriptions: Messi 7, Drexler N/A, Herrera n/a.
Rims: Rajkovic 6, Busey 5, Abdelhamid 6, Fes 6, Gravillon 5, Phoket 5, Mbuku 5, Matusiva 5, Kajste 5, Loko 6, Ekitic 6. Sub: Kasama 5, Lopi 4, Adeline 5, Donis 5, Flips N/A.
Critical moment
44' Target! PSG 1-0 REIMS (Verratti): Out of nowhere, the ball hits Marco Verratti's path and he fires from the post from 12 yards - his first goal in Ligue 1 since 2017.
62' Target! PSG 2-0 REIMS (Ramos): PSG extend their advantage through Sergio Ramos who toes on the line from close. Great reaction from the former Real Madrid captain who opened the account for PSG.
64' He's back! Messi makes his long-awaited return to PSG, replacing compatriot Angel Di Maria.
67' Target! PSG 3-0 REIMS (Verratti): Verratti scores again! The Italian tries from the edge of the box takes a double deflection but the midfielder is claiming it. Two round...London buses to Veratti a night.
75' Target! PSG 4-0 REIMS (Danilo): Amazing play from Mbappe that set up Danilo, and his strike from the edge of the box put Rajkovic behind to score PSG's fourth.
Dominant position
PSG have won 10 of their 11 league matches so far this season, scoring 27 goals and winning only six. The only drawback was the draw with OGC Nice in December. The Cote d'Azur side travels to Paris in the Coupe de France next week, in the hopes that once again Parisians will be disappointed on their own patch.