Paris Saint-Germain beaten in Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain were beaten in the Bernabeu in the return leg against Real Madrid (3-1). Here's a look back at how it happened.
The Parisians were determined to tackle their second leg against Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid. Mauricio Pochettino had named an eleven based around the attacking trio Mbappé-Messi-Neymar Jr, all supported by the midfield maestro Marco Verratti.
The start to the game showed everyone the incredible atmosphere that big European games create. Against a resurgent Madrid side, it was a big challenge for the Parisians to overcome. The stage was set, with crazy intensity from the start in the duels, and with the Merengue having to score to survive.
Our team's intentions were clear: to make the most of the big moments, and to suffer as a team when the going got tough. Our Rouge et Bleu then started to put their game in place, with beautiful sequences of possession that led to chances. Kylian Mbappé (7') and Neymar Jr (20') tested Courtois, before Leo Messi’s chance from a fine team move (30'). The Parisians piled the pressure on and Kylian Mbappé even found the back of the net, but his goal was disallowed for a slight offside position by Nuno Mendes (32').
The Parisians were subject to difficult moments but stayed strong. And their momentum was building. Neymar Jr played in Kylian Mbappé brilliantly who burst through at lightning speed and once more found the back of the net with a superb strike (0-1, 40'). Mauricio Pochettino's men continued to create chances in the second half, with Mbappé continuing to threaten and having another goal disallowed for offside (54').
Unfortunately, the tide turned and the pressure was mounting on Pochettino's men as they struggled to deal with a fierce Madrid side. And the last half-hour turned in their favour as Benzema reduced the deficit with a controversial move that sent Donnarumma to the ground (1-1, 61'), before he scored two more goals in quick succession (2-1, 76'; 3-1, 78'). The Spanish club then held on to their lead despite a tense finish to the game.
Paris Saint-Germain will now return to the French championship in search of a tenth league title.