- PSG struggled in the first half against Real Sociedad, prompting a fiery halftime talk from manager Luis Enrique.
- Kylian Mbappe led PSG’s comeback in the second half, scoring a crucial goal and providing a constant threat to the opposition.
- Mbappe’s goal, along with one from new signing Barcola, gave PSG a much-needed advantage heading into the second leg of the Champions League last 16.
The first leg of the Champions League last 16 clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Sociedad saw PSG struggling to keep up with their opponents. Despite missing some key players due to injury, Real Sociedad dominated much of the game, leaving PSG’s manager Luis Enrique fuming at halftime. With the home crowd growing restless, Enrique knew his team needed to step up and score to gain the advantage.
Kylian Mbappe Leads PSG’s Fightback
Enrique’s halftime talk seemed to have the desired effect as PSG’s star forward Kylian Mbappe came to life in the second half. Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a goal from a corner delivered by Ousmane Dembélé. His goal lifted the pressure off his teammates and allowed new signing Barcola to score his first Champions League goal.
Mbappe Confident Ahead of Second Leg
After the match, Mbappe expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially their ability to score at crucial moments. He also highlighted the importance of keeping a clean sheet and expressed relief that he was able to play the full game despite a sore ankle. Looking ahead to the second leg, Mbappe predicted a more open game, with Sociedad likely to attack more, providing PSG with more space to exploit.
In the first half of the Champions League clash between PSG and Real Sociedad, PSG struggled against their opponents’ high pressing game. Despite missing key players, Real Sociedad’s intensity and organization caused PSG problems, with captain Mikel Merino even hitting the crossbar with a long-range effort. However, PSG’s halftime talk from manager Luis Enrique seemed to inspire them to turn the game around.
Kylian Mbappe was the hero for PSG in the second half, scoring a crucial goal from a corner and providing a constant threat to the Real Sociedad defense. His goal, along with a strike from new signing Barcola, gave PSG a much-needed advantage heading into the second leg.
Looking forward, Mbappe is confident that PSG can secure a quarterfinal spot, especially with the second leg likely to be more open and attacking. Despite their past struggles in the last 16, PSG’s performance in the first leg has given them hope of progressing further in the competition.
