PARIS: Kylian Mbappe displayed his match-winning abilities once again Sunday, scoring off balance with a superb volley as Paris St Germain beat St Etienne 1-0 to continue their inevitable march towards the Ligue 1 title.

France striker Mbappe, who had not scored in his two previous league outings, found the back of the net in the 73rd minute to put Thomas Tuchel’s side on 62 points from 23 games.

The result extended PSG’s lead to 12 points after second-placed Lille, who have played two more games, were held goalless at home by Montpellier earlier on Sunday. St Etienne are fifth on 40 points.

Latching onto a clever lobbed pass from veteran Dani Alves over the defence, Mbappe was at full stretch yet still hooked a powerful shot into the top left corner while sliding forward to meet the ball in the 73rd minute.

It was also Mbappe’s second important strike in the matter of days, where he has led the attack impressively in the absence of Neymar and Edinson Cavani . The 20-year-old netted on Tuesday in PSG’s impressive 2-0 win at Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“He[Mbappe] shows his quality every day in training, he has this hunger to score, score, score,” said PSG coach Tuchel. “It’s his quality. He is a special player.”

Forwards Boulaye Dia and Remi Oudin scored as Reims beat Rennes 2-0 at home to climb up to seventh place.

Earlier, Girondins Bordeaux recorded a 2-1 home win against Toulouse while struggling Caen picked up a point in their fight against relegation after holding Strasbourg to a 0-0 draw at home.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2019