Kylian Mbappe’s brace helps PSG beat Metz 3-1 and maintain their lead at the top of Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe scored twice to help the Ligue 1 leaders beat Metz 3-1 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Vitinha put the hosts in front early into the second half, scoring with his first touch, before Mbappe doubled the lead on the hour mark with a stunning shot from the edge of the box as the France forward celebrated his 25th birthday.

Late in the game, Kylian Mbappe’s 16-year-old brother Ethan came on to make his senior-team debut for the Parisians. Ethan Mbappe is a technically gifted left-footed midfielder and came on to the field with their proud parents in the stands at Parc des Princes.

Matthieu Udol pulled one back for Metz with a towering header following a corner, before Mbappe made it 3-1 profiting on a mistake from the visitors’ defence.

 PSG, who sit top of the standings on 40 points from 17 games, are five points ahead of second-placed Nice and seven points above AS Monaco, in third.

The French champions next travel to Lens in Ligue 1 on Jan. 14, after facing French Cup winners Toulouse in Trophee des Champions on Jan. 3 and a cup fixture at sixth-tier side Revel four days later.