PSG defeats Real Sociedad with two goals from Mbappé to advance to Champions League Quarterfinals

Kylian Mbappé was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Real Sociedad, securing a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals with his two goals.

PSG progressed 4-1 on aggregate, with Mbappé contributing one of the goals in the 2-0 victory in the first leg in Paris three weeks ago. Mbappé has informed PSG that he will not be remaining with the club beyond this season.

PSG has faced disappointment in the Champions League, being knocked out in the last 16 five times in the last seven seasons, including the last two. In 2021, it reached the semifinals and was the runner-up in 2020.

“We immediately realised we couldn’t go to sleep,” Mbappé said. If the team had scored first, they would have gained momentum with the support of their fans. We needed to temper their expectations from the start. That’s exactly what we did, and we’re thrilled to be back in the quarterfinals!

Mbappé once again proved to be the game-changer on Tuesday, scoring a stunning goal in the 15th minute with some impressive footwork inside the box before unleashing a powerful shot into the far corner. The shot caused the netting by the far post to break, leading to a brief pause in play for repairs.

Mbappé scored his second goal in the 56th minute with a run that began near the midfield line. Racing to the open space, he received a long pass from Lee Kang-in and coolly slotted the ball into the net from close range.

Mbappé achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the second-youngest player to score 45 Champions League goals, from the group stage to the final, at the age of 25 years and 76 days. Lionel Messi achieved that milestone at the age of 24 years and 257 days. Mbappé has scored a total of 46 goals.

Mbappé had not scored in his previous two appearances with PSG, but he had scored eight goals in his last eight matches with the club. He was substituted in the previous two games but managed to complete the full match on Tuesday.

PSG had won 10 of its last 13 matches in all competitions but had recently drawn against Rennes and Monaco in the French league.

Mikel Merino found the back of the net for Sociedad’s only goal in the 89th minute, much to the delight of the home fans.

“We aimed to qualify, but we were also determined to secure a victory,” Mbappé stated. “We had a clear game plan and were able to score early.” We didn’t face significant pressure, just a bit towards the end.

In the latest match, Bayern Munich secured a 3-1 aggregate victory by beating Lazio 3-0 at home.

Sociedad aimed to progress beyond the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time. The Basque Country club had not participated in Europe’s premier club tournament since the 2013-14 season. In the 1982-83 season, it had a remarkable European campaign, making it to the semifinals of the European Cup.

Sociedad had a strong start to the season, winning its Champions League group for the first time, but has been struggling recently. The team has suffered six defeats in its last seven matches across all competitions, managing to secure just one victory in its last nine games.

“All rivals are challenging in the Champions League, but we were drawn against possibly the most formidable one we could have faced,” Merino stated. “In order to progress, we required a flawless match, but our opponents are formidable, especially with a player like Mbappé who is almost guaranteed to score during transitions.” They outperformed us.

PSG was able to score twice in the second half, despite the Spanish club’s strong performance in most of the first leg.

Sociedad saw a goal by Ander Barrenetxea ruled out for offside in the 63rd minute.