The first piece of silverware of the French domestic season went to Paris Saint-Germain. The capital side completed the first leg of what they hope will be a treble as they defeated Monaco 3-0 in Bordeaux.
It was a fixture in which they overwhelmed the defending Ligue 1 champions, showing just how much they have turned things around in France since losing their title little under 12 months ago.
Edinson Cavani might have got two goals, while Angel Di Maria got the other, but it was Kylian Mbappe who really caught the eye with a complete performance on the wing.
The teenage attacker won a penalty and created another, earning the plaudits as the game’s outstanding player in the process. It was his first silverware with the club and he was naturally delighted with the outcome.
He posted three images on his Instagram page to emphasise his pleasure at the outcome. The first simply said: “Thanks to everyone for your support.”
The second shows the 19-year-old with the game’s man of the match award and the caption “MVP” below it, while the last is simply a spectacular picture of him lifting the distinctive trophy surrounded by his team-mates.
Cavani, meanwhile, had quite the week, winning his 100th cap for Uruguay during the international recess.
“Proud to reach 100 games representing my country,” he said. “Thanks to everyone who are and who were part of this beautiful journey – and to fight for what is to come.”
The highlight for the striker, though, was his double at the weekend. He posted a picture of himself with the trophy, alongside team-mates Yuri Berchiche, Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore.
“Beyond challenges, the most important is to stand together. Sooner or later we always get rewarded. Congratulations to the team,” he said.
Winning titles is something that right-back Dani Alves has got used to in his career, with the Coupe de la Ligue the 36th major crown that he has won.
It is an achievement that even made Neymar – missing due to a broken foot – sit up and take notice.
“Congratulation to everyone, I’m very happy for you,” he posted from Brazil as he continues to work his way back to fitness. “Allez PSG!
“Dani Alves, the congratulations are all the more special for you, brother, and I’m honoured to be part of this story. Hopefully there is more to come, including in July.
“I love you my idol!”
Alves, meanwhile, responded with a video of his own.
“I am only a humble dreamer like all Brazilians and many others in the world, but with a crazy desire to inspire other dreamers to fight for their dreams, whatever they are,” he said. “Anything is possible in life, it is enough that your will is bigger than your desires. All honour and glory to you, sir – without your blessings, nothing is possible.”
In a second post, he emphasised his love for his family.
“The most important prizes I have are in this photo,” he said. “Thanks for your effort and dedication because thanks to them I continue to fight, I overcome difficulties, I keep fighting to inspire other northeasterners, other Brazilians and other humble dreamers. I’m sure being an inspiration to other people is my legacy in life!”
PSG’s next challenge as they look to complete the second leg of their domestic treble is a trip to in-form Saint-Etienne on Friday.
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