# Paris Saint-Germain Thrashes Montpellier 5-1 in Ligue 1 Round 8
In a thrilling encounter between the two leading teams in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) demonstrated their dominance over Montpellier, securing a comprehensive victory with a final score of 5-1.
## Key Highlights:
1. **Goals from Lionel Messi:**
- Lionel Messi scored three goals, including a stunning hat-trick.
- His first goal came in the 22nd minute when he latched onto a precise pass from Neymar and slotted it past the goalkeeper.
- The second goal was netted in the 46th minute, again assisted by Neymar but this time with more precision.
- In the 79th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick with another well-placed shot from outside the box.
2. **Assists from Neymar:**
- Neymar provided two assists for the PSG attack, helping Messi create scoring opportunities.
3. **Substitutions:**
- PSG made two substitutions during the game:
- Kylian Mbappé replaced Lucas Hernandez in the 60th minute.
- Kylian Mbappé returned to the starting lineup in the 76th minute.
4. **Montpellier Performance:**
- Montpellier managed to keep their legs up, showing some resilience despite being outplayed.
- Their only goal came in the 87th minute when Kevin De Bruyne scored from a corner kick.
5. **Statistical Breakdown:**
- PSG dominated possession with 62% of the ball compared to Montpellier's 38%.
- They controlled 72% of the shots, with 13 attempted shots on target compared to Montpellier's 3.
## Analysis:
The match showcased the superiority of PSG's attacking prowess under the guidance of head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Messi's performances were particularly noteworthy, demonstrating his ability to read defenses and exploit gaps effectively. Neymar's assist-heavy display further highlighted the partnership between the two central midfielders.
Montpellier, while struggling to find the back of the net, showed determination and resilience. Their performance indicates that they remain competitive in Ligue 1 and could be a threat to PSG in future matches.
### Conclusion:
This victory marks another significant win for PSG in Ligue 1, solidifying their position as the dominant force in the league. With Messi continuing to shine and Neymar providing crucial assists, PSG will look to maintain their momentum and potentially extend their lead at the top of the table.