Spectacular Paris march into quarters!
Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after completing a 4-1 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad courtesy of a deserved 2-1 away win on Tuesday evening.
Three weeks after their emphatic 2-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique's side were back in action against the formidable Basque outfit at their San Sebastian home. It was an exciting prospect for Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish coach, who was on familiar ground and boasting a full-strength squad, who reserved a few surprises for the Spanish side. As well as repositioning Bradley Barcola to the right side of midfield, Nuno Mendes made his return to the left of defence, with Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Beraldo in the centre of defence.
It promised to be a difficult night in a stadium where the Basques had never been led in this European campaign. The tone was set from the opening whistle. As you'd expect, the home side began with great intensity, trying to push the Parisians back...
But the visiting French champions had a very clear game plan: control proceedings, extinguish any sparks ignited by the home side and douse the fervour on the terraces. Les Rouge et Bleu grew into the game intelligently, weathering the early storm, before taking the reins with a typically dazzling move. The inspiration came from Kylian Mbappé! Set up by teammate Ousmane Dembélé, our top scorer dummied on his left foot before cutting onto the right and unleashing a sublime curling shot inside the far post (0-1, 15'). So powerful that it literally ripped a whole in the net!
Ahead on the scoreboard, Luis Enrique's men returned to their trademark playing philosophy: enjoying possession and patiently creating chances! While the entire team rose to the occasion, Kylian Mbappé was at the pointy end, and could have added to the lead before the half-time break. But Paris fans didn't have to wait long after the restart to renew their celebrations: substitute Lee Kang-In released the Rocket Mbappé, who raced clear before clinically doubling the advantage (0-2, 55').
Inevitably, the Basques, who had been waiting more than 20 years for knockout European football, bravely fought on... Les Rouge et Bleu had to dig deep and despite an excellent Gianluigi Donnarumma, Merino did net a late consolation goal (1-2, 89').
But Paris Saint-Germain saw the match out and booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a rich and enjoyable last-16 tie, that brings with it the promise of an exciting Spring!