On Wednesday, Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola scored second-half goals to help Paris St Germain defeat Real Sociedad 2-0 in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League encounter.
The Basque club, who came at the Parc des Princes undefeated in this year’s campaign after winning Group D, were undoubtedly the superior side until Mbappe scored a volley from Marquinhos’ corner in the 58th minute to give PSG the lead.
PSG gained control of the game, and in the 70th minute, Barcola increased his advantage by nudging the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
“We struggled a lot throughout the first half. We spoke to each other during halftime, and the coach (Luis Enrique) tugged our strings. “He was very upset,” PSG captain Marquinhos told Canal Plus.
“Our mentality improved significantly in the second half. “Luis Enrique is trustworthy and honest, which is crucial for the team.”He provided us some advise, which proved effective in the second half. The first portion of our goal has been accomplished. It’s crucial to win at home.
PSG were fortunate to go into the break with the game 0-0, as Real Sociedad captain Mikel Merino fired a tremendous drive that slammed against the crossbar shortly before halftime.
Mbappe, who missed his club’s previous match due to an ankle injury, took advantage of Real Sociedad’s temporary 10-man roster while defender Hamari Traore was on the sidelines receiving medical treatment.
Mbappe’s shot into the top corner triggered wild jubilation among the Parc des Princes fans, and the Frenchman almost increased PSG’s advantage a few minutes later, but his thundering attempt was saved by Remiro.
Barcola expanded PSG’s advantage in the 70th minute with a fantastic individual performance, broke through from the halfway line to score a clean finish.
PSG had more opportunities to score, but the visitors held on and will have a difficult assignment to recover from a two-goal deficit in the return leg in Spain on March 5.
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