Real Madrid stunned at the Le Parc des Princes as Mbappe scores a late winner. The match was scoreless until the 94th-minute mark but PSG showed utter domination over the Spanish Giants and thirteen-time UEFA Champions League Winners, Real Madrid.
This fixture was hyped soon after the Round of 16 draws were made as Ex-Barcelona players, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. were about to face their fierce rivals, Real Madrid. PSG’s star winger Angel Di Maria and goalkeeper, Keylor Navas had to face their former side.
It was a sad night for PSG defender, Sergio Ramos who had picked up a knock in their previous fixture in Ligue 1 and was unable to face his ex-teammates.
The main highlight or talking point of this fixture was Kylian Mbappe facing his “potential” suitors for the upcoming transfer window. Mbappe has been heavily linked with a mega-move to Real Madrid, thus adding extra spice.
Both PSG and Real Madrid had put their star squads which included players like the star mid-field trio, Kross, Modric, and Casemerio, PSG’s deadly trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Jr.
This match was a tactical battle as two coaches were trying to outdo each other. Mauricio Pochenntino decided to play with a more attacking, 4-3-3 formation. Carlo Ancelloti or “Don Carlo” also matched this and put up a 4-3-3 formation.
First Half: PSG’s Initial Domination
PSG shattered the game like a force as they took on the Real Madrid defense from the starting minute. At the 6th minute mark, Mbappe took Dani Carvajal inside out and sent a whipped ball in the box, this was just missed by Di Maria.
Madrid’s midfield was constantly pressurized by Marco Verrati and Leo Paredes and this frustration was shown by Casemrio who made a reckless tackle on Paredes which got him a yellow card. To take revenge for his teammate, Verrati lunged in on Casemiro which got him a yellow card at the 40th minute.
The first half ended goal-less even after PSG constant attacks. Thibaut Courtois was heavily responsible for this.
Second Half: Mbappe Breaks Madrid Hearts
Similar to the first half, PSG begins the second half with an attacking approach as Mbappe tries to whip a shot that was saved by Courtois. This attack was made vicious, thanks to the ex-Madrid player, Archaf Hakimi who played a sublime pass to Mbappe.
Mbappe’s domination in the final circle continues as he’s brought down by Dani Carvajal giving PSG a penalty. Mbappe unselfishly hands over the ball to Messi who to everybody’s shock, misses it. Courtois comes up with a big save to deny PSG a one-goal advantage.
This resilience shown by Madrid’s defense and their keeper, Thibaut Courtois was however broken as Kylian Mbappe strikes a vicious shot which nutmegs Courtois in the final minutes of the match.
Mbappe gives PSG a crucial 1-0 victory over Real Madrid who have to work harder in the returning fixture.
