Mbappe nets late winner for PSG against Real in RO16
Key takeaways:
- Kylian Mbappe netted his 22nd goal of the season to deliver PSG win.
- Kylian Mbappe scored a sharp goal in added time as Paris St-Germain defeated 13-time Champions League conquerors Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
PSG grab a home win against Real:
The France striker, connected with a transfer to Real in the summer, received the ball on the left from a wise backheel by Neymar and got between two defenders inside the box before slotting through Thibaut Courtois' legs to dispatch the Parc des Princes absurd.
It was a scenic finish to a match that had looked set to end in frustration for PSG, mainly after Lionel Messi caught his penalty saved just after the hour mark.
The hosts had conquered possession but bumbled to break down a well-organized Real defense that had restricted PSG to one shot on target in the first half when Mbappe saw an attempt declined by Courtois' legs.
But the opening of Neymar, making his first appearance since November after healing from injury, proved strong. He caused several Real issues with his scary crosses and intelligent runs before providing the vital pass for Mbappe to work his charm with seconds remaining.
The victory will give PSG expect to head to Madrid on Wednesday, 9 March, and get the result they require to keep alive their expectancies of prevailing a first Champions League title.