While Paris Saint-Germain was unable to escape Real Sociedad’s pressure in the first period, the Parisians finally won thanks to a more successful second period this Wednesday, February 14 (2-0). Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola were the two scorers of the evening.
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For its first major European meeting of the season, Paris Saint-Germain, which remains on two eliminations in quick succession at this stage of the competition, did not spark at the start of the match in this round of 16 go from the Champions League against an opponent who is well within his reach. Real Sociedad clearly does not operate in the category of these European leaders. Not to mention that the Basque club, 7th in La Liga, is decimated by injuries.
The missed opportunities, like this duel between Kylian Mbappé and the Basque goalkeeper when the Parisian star hits the right at ground level and Alejandro Remiro goes to bed in time (6th), do not allow the capital’s players to impose itself from the outset. PSG, who qualified narrowly behind Dortmund after two defeats and a draw in the group stage, struggled to destabilize the Spanish club with a lot of ball loss and rough passing.
Kylian Mbappé, him again
After thirty minutes of play, Paris only had one shot on target out of three attempts. At the end of the first period, Paris was on a tightrope when captain Mikel Merino fired a splendid shot from the left from more than 25 meters which ended up on the crossbar (45th). In the first period, Paris did not have the opportunity to escape the pressure exerted by Real Sociedad. PSG has a second period left to hope for an individual exploit.
In important matches, you need great players, and Paris once again relies on Kylian Mbappé who opens the scoring in the 58th minute with a right shot from close range under the bar. Just afterwards, the striker came close to doubling the lead with a powerful shot that the Spanish goalkeeper deflected with the tip of his glove and hit the crossbar. Kylian Mbappé’s goal gives momentum to the Parisians who double the lead thanks to Bradley Barcola and a sharp left (70th).
With this victory, PSG makes life easier before the return match on March 5. Real Sociedad was one of the teams that conceded the fewest goals in the group stage.
Lazio surprises Bayern Munich
In the other match of the day, Lazio Rome took a slight advantage by beating Bayern Munich, reduced to 10 men, 1-0 in the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico. Maurizio Sarri’s players took the lead in the second half thanks to a penalty caused by Dayot Upamecano, sent off on this occasion, and converted by Ciro Immobile.