Mbappé shot down (his) Real. A successful individual action puts Paris in a better position for the rematch

Tuesday’s Champions League showpiece between PSG and Real Madrid featured a single goal. Kylian Mbappé capped off the individual action with a precise finish. Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the match.

Ángel di María had the first chance of the match in the fourth minute, but only shot over the visitors’ goal from a free kick. In the 18th minute, Kylian Mbappé found himself behind the Real defence, but Thibaut Courtois made a great save to deny his attempt.

Paris continued to dominate the ball, but could not challenge Real’s well-functioning defence. It was not until the 32nd minute that Lionel Messi fired a shot from just outside the box, but it missed the target. The visitors made their presence felt in the first half, but missed the goal after a corner kick and went into the box with the game scoreless.

Nuno Mendes, the home side’s left-back, gave a good performance in the first 45 minutes, while Mbappé’s and Mendes’ runs were not kept up by experienced Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal.

After the change of sides, the Parisians were very active. Mbappé’s shot was parried by Courtois, then a few minutes later the Belgian goalkeeper caught Messi’s shot from distance. In the 61st minute, Carvajal crowned his poor performance with a foul in the penalty area and PSG were awarded a penalty.

Messi took the ball, but his shot was parried by Courtois. Mauricio Pochettino’s charges continued to press, but even Mbappé’s attempt in the 78th minute did not end up in the net as the French superstar missed the area.

The stands finally erupted in the setup. Neymar’s heel found Mbappé, who neatly disposed of two opposing players and fired past Courtois.

The 1-0 scoreline gives both teams hope of progression. A big lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table plays in PSG’s favour, for Real the home ground. The return leg will be played in three weeks’ time, on Wednesday 9 March.

Source: UEFA