Les Parisiens win the first leg in style!

The long-awaited match. Two months on and Paris Saint-Germain were back in Champions League action, as the famous hymn rang out at the Camp Nou. For this first leg, Mauricio Pochettino was boosted by the return of Marco Verratti in the middle of the park and opted to start with an attacking trio of Kean-Icardi-Mbappé. 

The match was expected to be electric... And from the very get go, Les Rouge et Bleu showed that they were up to the task! With serenity, concentration and commitment across the field, Pochettino's sided never stopped running. From an early chance for Idrissa Gueye from distance (4'), to the incredible work-rate of Marco Verratti,  tackles from Marquinhos to thwart Messi and Keylor Navas who looked imperious every time he was called into action....There was no doubt, the Paris Saint-Germain starting eleven had set the right tone!

However, it was to be the home side that would get the opener when Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot (1-0, 27'). But Les Parisiens doubled their efforts in order to peg them back. And less than five minutes later, it was Kylian Mbappé who provided the answers! At the end of a superb team move, the n°7 made the most of a delightful flick from Marco Verratti, controlled smartly and then smashed into the roof of the net (1-1, 32').

With the sides back on level terms, the match stepped up a notch. From one end to the other, an attacking masterclass was on show. Layvin Kurzawa saw an effort tipped round the post by the fingertips of Ter Stegen (35'), Moise Kean's had an effort caught by the stopper (38'), Marquinhos' shot went close (39') and then a powerful header from Mauro Icardi just slipped past the post (44'): the club from the capital had set the game on fire!

And as the rhythm didn't drop off after the break, Les Parisiens continued to trouble the home side. Another dream move started by an incredible Marco Verratti and concluded by Moise Kean called Ter Stegen into action once again (50'). The image of a side that defended and attacked as one for the whole 90 minutes…

But it was written in the stars: after an immense performance, the unstoppable Kylian Mbappé wasn't finished! Following numerous counter attacks, he made the most of an Alessandro Florenzi cross into the box to strike home with his left foot (1-2, 66'), setting Les Rouge et Bleu on their way. And just a few minutes later, Moise Kean, who was perfectly placed to connect with a free-kick from out wide, scored the third goal of the encounter with a powerful header (1-3, 69'). Kylian Mbappé wasn't satisfied with his brace and picked up his hat-trick with a clinical finish after a lightning counter (1-4, 85').

Paris Saint-Germain ensured a stylish victory and never faltered (1-4). Now attentions turn to the second leg on 10 March at the Parc des Princes!