Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the last eight of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Tuesday, thanks to a superb performance from their captain Kylian Mbappé. The French star scored both goals for the visitors, who advanced 4-1 on aggregate, and showed why he is one of the most sought-after players in the world.
Mbappé breaks the deadlock with a stunning strike
The first half was a tight affair, with both teams trying to create chances but finding it hard to break through the defensive lines. PSG had more possession and shots, but Real Sociedad were well organized and disciplined, and threatened with some quick counterattacks. The hosts also had a penalty appeal turned down by the referee, after Adnan Januzaj went down under the challenge of Presnel Kimpembe.
However, the deadlock was broken in the 15th minute by a moment of individual brilliance from Mbappé. The 23-year-old received a pass from Ousmane Dembélé on the left flank, and then accelerated past his marker with a burst of speed. He cut inside the box, and curled a shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Alejandro Remiro with no chance. It was a stunning goal, and his 21st in the Champions League, making him the youngest player to reach that milestone.
Mbappé doubles the lead with a clever finish
The second half started with PSG in control, and they soon doubled their lead with another goal from Mbappé. In the 56th minute, Kang-in Lee played a through ball to the PSG captain, who ran into the left channel and faced Remiro. Mbappé feinted to curl the ball around the keeper, but instead slotted it low into the near post, wrong-footing Remiro and scoring his second of the night.
Real Sociedad tried to respond, and had some chances to reduce the deficit. Martin Zubimendi, Beñat Turrientes and Jon Ander Olasagasti all tested Keylor Navas, but the PSG goalkeeper was equal to their efforts. The hosts finally got a consolation goal in the 89th minute, when Mikel Merino headed in a cross from Ander Barrenetxea, but it was too little, too late.
PSG keep their European dream alive
The final whistle confirmed PSG’s progression to the quarter-finals, where they will hope to go one step further than last season, when they lost the final to Bayern Munich. The French champions have been impressive in this year’s competition, beating Barcelona and Real Sociedad with ease, and scoring 14 goals in six games.
However, the biggest question mark hanging over their campaign is the future of Mbappé, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. The France international, whose contract expires in June, has reportedly told PSG that he wants to leave, and has already agreed terms with the Spanish giants. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has insisted that he will not let Mbappé go, and that he will do everything to convince him to stay.
Mbappé, who has scored 31 goals in 33 games this season, has not commented on his situation, but his performances on the pitch have spoken volumes. He is the top scorer in the Champions League with eight goals, and has shown his leadership and quality in every game. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, and PSG will need him to keep their European dream alive.
