Paris Saint-Germain defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League match at the Parc des Princes, securing a two-goal lead. Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show, teenage Bradley Barcola shown that Paris Saint-Germain could manage without him as the wingers for the Parisians scored two goals on Wednesday night to defeat Real Sociedad 2-0 in the first leg of their match.
Highlights of the game: PSG vs Real Sociedad
Just before halftime, Real Sociedad’s captain Mikel Merino fired a tremendous drive that burst off the crossbar, and PSG was fortunate to go into the halftime break with the score tied at zero.
Mbappe, who was sidelined for Real Sociedad’s previous game due to an ankle injury, took advantage of the fact that Real Sociedad was temporarily down to 10 men while defender Hamari Traore was undergoing medical attention. Despite lacking important players due to injuries, Real Sociedad controlled the game for extended periods of time until Mbappe’s goal in the 58th minute.
Also Read: 3 goals from Manchester City helped them secure the lead in the first leg against Copenhagen.
The breakthrough came when Mbappe was unmarked at the back post to volley in after Marquinhos headed in an Ousmane Dembele corner from the right. A little while later, the Frenchman came close to extending PSG’s lead, but Remiro turned his thundering effort away.
In the 70th minute, Barcola put on a fantastic solo show by breaking through from the halfway line and finishing neatly to increase PSG’s lead.
PSG had more opportunities to score, but the visitors held on, and PSG will find it difficult to come back from a two-goal deficit in the return leg on March 5 in Spain.
PSG players reaction after the Game
“We were able to score at crucial times. With this initial stage, we are satisfied. Mbappe said to broadcaster Canal Plus, “There is still a lot of work to be done, but it is good to be going there with the advantage.”
“We knew that would be the case, but we were in serious trouble in the first half,” Captain Marquinhos continued.
“I believe that the coach’s earbashing during halftime contributed to the improved attitude in the second half.
“We are aware of the significance of winning at home, but the game is not yet over. In order to guarantee our qualification, we must maintain the same attitude from now until then, perform well in the league, and then go there and perform well.”