Mbappe’s Goal Secures PSG Victory over Real Sociedad in First Leg
Paris St-Germain took a step towards the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The French champions have struggled in the competition in recent years, but Kylian Mbappe’s return from injury provided a much-needed boost.
Mbappe, who missed the previous match due to an ankle problem, made an immediate impact by scoring the opening goal. The forward found the back of the net at the back post after a corner. Bradley Barcola added the second goal with a beautiful finish past Real Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro.
Although PSG were far from their best in the first half, manager Luis Enrique was pleased with the result. He admitted that his team had to make changes in response to Real Sociedad’s high press, which caused them difficulties early on. However, the second half was more to their liking, and they were able to secure a 2-0 victory.
Real Sociedad will have to regroup and offer a more attacking threat in the second leg if they hope to overturn the deficit. The Spanish side had a bright start to the match, with Mikel Merino hitting the bar just before halftime. However, they faded in the second half and failed to find a way past PSG’s defense.
For PSG, Kylian Mbappe’s performance highlighted his importance to the team. Despite ongoing speculation about his future, with rumors linking him to Real Madrid, Mbappe has remained focused and delivered goals throughout the season. He has been directly involved in 38 goals in 30 appearances for PSG this season, making him the most productive player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Mbappe’s contract with PSG expires at the end of June, and his future remains uncertain. However, his contribution against Real Sociedad demonstrated his value to the team. He had four of his seven attempts on target and would have scored more if not for Remiro’s saves.
Real Sociedad will have to bounce back in the second leg if they want to progress in the competition. This was their first knockout tie in 20 years, and they will be disappointed with the result. However, they are confident that they can turn things around on home soil with the support of their fans.
Overall, PSG’s victory over Real Sociedad puts them in a strong position heading into the second leg. The French champions have a history of disappointment in the Champions League, but with Mbappe leading the way, they have a chance to finally make a deep run in the competition. As for Real Sociedad, they will need to improve their attacking threat and hope for a comeback in the second leg.