Kylian Mbappe takes PSG to a commanding Champions League lead

Kylian Mbappe’s brilliant finish and Bradley Barcola’s goal gave PSG a strong edge heading into the Champions League return leg in Spain.

In a thrilling Champions League match, Kylian Mbappe demonstrated his scoring ability by leading Paris Saint-Germain to a key 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 matchup.

The Parc des Princes witnessed Mbappe’s brilliance soon before the hour mark, breaking the tie and establishing a comfortable advantage.

The significance of the victory was not lost on Mbappe, who understood the importance of scoring in crucial circumstances, saying, “We are satisfied with this first step. There is still a lot of work to be done, but it is beneficial to be going in with an edge.

PSG was under intense pressure to avoid another early departure from the Champions League. Captain Marquinhos confessed to initial struggles but credited a halftime discussion for the team’s stronger second-half performance. “We understand how vital it is to win at home, but it is not over. “We need to keep the same mindset…and play well to secure our qualification,” he said.

Real Sociedad, making their first Champions League quarterfinal participation in two decades, suffered without captain Mikel Oyarzabal and faced a difficult task after going scoreless in their previous four games. PSG, who had not lost in 16 games, showed signs of frailty, particularly in the first half, when the away side threatened more.

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PSG’s stress was relieved when Kylian Mbappe scored his 31st goal of the season, finishing off Marquinhos’ assist from a corner. The France captain, who has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, nearly scored again, demonstrating his persistent attacking approach. Barcola’s 70th-minute goal sealed the victory and heightened Real Sociedad’s chances in the subsequent match.

As the attention moves to the return leg on March 5, PSG remains cautiously confident, mindful of their previous defeats in the competition. Supporters, although hopeful, recognize the unpredictable nature of Champions League knockout games, underlining the need for steady play.

The scenario is set for an epic duel, with PSG hoping to overcome the hurdles and advance to the quarter-finals.