Champions League
UCL: Mbappe Helps PSG Defeat Real Sociedad 2-0
Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Real Sociedad in a decisive UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday night.
SportXparte reports that French star Kylian Mbappe netted the first goal, propelling PSG towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a convincing 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad.
The match was the initial leg of their last-16 clash.
PSG’s lacklustre performance in the first half at the Parc des Princes had their fans worried about yet another disappointing outcome in the knockout stages of the Champions League, a recurring theme in their history.
However, Mbappe, who is anticipated to depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, broke the deadlock just before the 60-minute mark with a close-range strike.
Bradley Barcola then sealed the deal with a well-executed goal in the 70th minute, extending PSG’s lead to 2-0 and providing them with a comfortable advantage to take to Spain for the return leg early next month.
PSG faced immense pressure heading into this tie, having been eliminated in the round of 16 in five of the last seven seasons. A premature exit from the competition this year would be a significant setback for the club owned by Qatar, especially considering Real Sociedad’s lack of experience in Champions League knockout ties over the past two decades.
Furthermore, Real Sociedad arrived in Paris without having scored a goal or secured a victory in their last four matches across all competitions.
SportXparte understands that PSG was without their captain and leading goal scorer Mikel Oyarzabal, who is currently recovering from an injury.
PSG, who introduced 20-year-old Brazilian left-back Lucas Beraldo for his Champions League debut, were determined to extend their unbeaten streak of 16 games across all competitions since early November.
During the first half, PSG struggled to create opportunities, with Mbappe’s early shot being the only real threat that was saved by the visiting goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad, who topped their group ahead of Inter Milan, appeared more comfortable and came close to scoring before halftime.
In the dying moments of the first half, captain Mikel Merino showcased his control by unleashing a powerful strike from 25 meters that hit the top of the crossbar and went over.
Eventually, PSG managed to break the deadlock in the 58th minute when Ousmane Dembele’s corner from the right was deflected by Marquinhos towards the back post, where Mbappe converted it into a goal.
The France captain, who is heavily rumoured to join Real Madrid next season, scored his 31st goal of the campaign in all competitions and his fourth in the Champions League.
This boosted the home side’s confidence, and Mbappe came close to scoring again in the 63rd minute with a powerful shot from outside the box that was deflected onto the crossbar and over by Remiro.
In the 70th minute, Luis Enrique’s team found the back of the net once more when Barcola received a pass on the left, evaded Hamari Traore, and calmly slotted the ball past Remiro for his inaugural Champions League goal.
Despite their efforts, La Real failed to find a way back into the game, extending their goalless streak to five matches. As they prepare to host PSG in San Sebastian on March 5, they face a daunting task. However, PSG’s past collapses in this stage of the competition against teams like Barcelona and Madrid have left their supporters cautious.
