Mbappé Magic Propels PSG Past Real Sociedad and into Champions League Quarterfinals
In a scintillating display of skill and precision, Kylian Mbappé orchestrated Paris Saint-Germain’s triumphant return to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, delivering a masterclass performance with two crucial goals in a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad. The win secured PSG’s passage to the next round with a convincing 4-1 aggregate scoreline, reigniting hopes of claiming the coveted European title in what marks Mbappé’s final season with the French powerhouse.
Mbappé, who had already played a pivotal role in the first leg with a goal, once again showcased his brilliance on the grand stage. The 23-year-old forward’s electrifying opening goal in the 15th minute epitomized his flair and finesse. Executing a series of dazzling moves within the penalty area, Mbappé cut back from near the touchline before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot into the far corner, leaving spectators in awe. The sheer force of the strike even prompted a brief stoppage in play to repair the netting by the far post.
Reflecting on the match, Mbappé emphasized the team’s strategic approach, stating, “We knew right away that we couldn’t go to sleep. If they had opened the scoring, they would have pushed on with their fans’ backing. We had to dampen their hopes early on. That’s what we did, and we’re very happy to be back in the quarterfinals.”
Despite significant investments aimed at securing Champions League glory, PSG has faced early exits in the last 16 stage five times in the last seven seasons, a trend they were determined to reverse. Having reached the semifinals in 2021 and narrowly missing out on the title in 2020, this victory represents a crucial step forward for the Parisian club.
The statistics from the match underline Mbappé’s impact, with the French phenom registering his 68th and 69th goal involvements in his 69th UEFA Champions League game. His total contributions in all competitions this season, 41 in total (34 goals, 7 assists), place him among the most prolific players in Europe’s top five leagues alongside Harry Kane.
Notably, this was the first time Real Sociedad found themselves trailing at home in the Champions League this season. PSG’s success away to Spanish opposition has been limited in recent times, making the victory even more significant, marking only their second win in their last 10 such encounters in European competition.
Additionally, PSG made history by fielding their youngest-ever starting XI for a Champions League game, with an average age of 23 years and 361 days. Mbappé, in reaching the 60-game mark in the UEFA Champions League for PSG, joined an elite group of players, with only Marquinhos (87) and Marco Verratti (79) having more appearances for the club in the competition.
As PSG advances to the quarterfinals, the focus now shifts to their quest for European glory in what promises to be a riveting conclusion to Mbappé’s tenure with the club. The football world awaits the next chapter in PSG’s pursuit of Champions League immortality.