Kylian Mbappe sealed an impressive performance with two goals as Paris St-Germain smoothly advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, defeating Real Sociedad in the process.
The anticipated second leg in San Sebastian presented a potential challenge for PSG, particularly with all eyes focused on Mbappe, who has agreed to join Real Madrid in the summer.
The French forward delivered a stellar performance, adding two goals to his tally for Luis Enrique’s side, bringing his season total to 28.
In the early stages, Mbappe showcased his speed by creating an opportunity for Bradley Barcola, although it was saved by home goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
Shortly after, he scored his first goal of the night, displaying skillful footwork to bypass defender Igor Zubeldia and unleash a powerful shot into the bottom-right corner.
Mbappe’s second goal came soon after halftime, as he capitalized on a pass from Lee Kang-in to execute a precise low shot past Remiro at the near post.
PSG dominated the game, with Sociedad only showing signs of life after falling four goals behind on aggregate. Mikel Merino’s late goal served as a mere consolation for Sociedad.
The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals will take place on Friday, March 15th at 11:00 GMT.
Departing Mbappe sparkles for PSG
A week following their Copa del Rey semi-final elimination to Mallorca on penalties, Real Sociedad faced further disappointment, this time from an expected origin.
Since Kylian Mbappe’s announcement of his departure from Parc des Princes, questions have arisen regarding Luis Enrique’s management of the situation, as PSG’s key player has frequently found himself on the substitutes’ bench and often substituted early in matches.
Yet, if the manager’s decisions were aimed at future planning, Mbappe’s performance in this match only emphasized the significant gap he will leave in the squad come summer.
The home team was well aware of the threat posed by the forward, but containing him proved to be a formidable challenge.
Despite the close presence of Zubeldia and Traore when he scored the opening goal, neither could prevent his impact.
And with PSG dominating in midfield for the first hour of the encounter, Mbappe, described as “probably the most dangerous man on the planet at the minute” by former England striker Michael Owen on TNT Sports, was given a seemingly endless supply line to inflict damage as his side reached the last eight for the first time since 2021.