The Parisians' star man delivered again to stoke hopes of European glory
A few days ago, there was talk that Kylian Mbappe's PSG career could be over. The disgruntled forward was subbed at half time of the Parisians' Ligue 1 clash last weekend, while his manager gave little reason to suggest he would be a given starter for weeks to come. But against Real Sociedad, he made an emphatic return, scoring twice and serving as the razor-sharp edge of a humming PSG attack as his side eased their way to a 4-1 aggregate win.
Mbappe showed just how important he is from the first minute, ducking and weaving through the La Real defence, and creating chances in spades. His goal – a fine lashed effort into the bottom corner – felt inevitable and gave the Parisians an advantage less than 20 minutes in.
Takefusa Kubo came close to getting his team back in it on the brink of half time, smashing a left-footed strike just wide of the post from long range.
But Mbappe put the tie to bed just before the hour mark, adding a glorious second with a scamper down the left wing and a clinical near-post finish. A late Mikel Merino strike added the only blemish on an otherwise perfect night – one in which PSG's star man showed up in style.
GOAL rates PSG's players from Anoeta…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10):
Didn't have loads to do, but made one particularly impressive stop. Could do nothing about La Real's goal.
Achraf Hakimi (7/10):
Didn't get forward as much as usual, but willingly tucked into midfield to offer cover, and snuff out counter-attacks.
Lucas Hernandez (6/10):
Odd to see the heavily left-footed player used as a right-sided centre-back. Went about things effectively.
Lucas Beraldo (7/10):
Made one excellent tackle to deny a clear opportunity for La Real. A composed performance from the 20-year-old, who looks better every week. Perhaps could have done more to deny the consolation goal.
Nuno Mendes (5/10):
A bit of a shaky outing. Picked up an early booking, and was removed on the hour. Struggled to deal with Kubo.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):
A willing and effective runner with the ball from midfield. Didn't have many opportunities to create, but he can turn in gutsy showings, too.
Vitinha (7/10):
An impressive display in the middle of the park. Completed all but two of his passes, kept the ball moving, and covered loads of ground. Nothing sexy about his play, but he turned in the kind of disciplined showing the Parisians needed.
Fabian Ruiz (7/10):
Not always the tidiest on the ball, but can't be faulted for his effort. It's telling that he seems to be favoured for the big games.
Ousmane Dembele (8/10):
Deployed, oddly, as a No.10 behind split strikers. It worked a charm, with the Frenchman proving adept at linking play and providing a lovely assist for Mbappe's second. A new position, perhaps?
Getty ImagesAttack
Bradley Barcola (4/10):
Touched the ball nine times, missed a good chance, and didn't have much of an impact on the game. A forgettable night.
Kylian Mbappe (9/10):
Scored a ridiculous first goal to silence those who thought he should be benched. Bagged an equally impressive second to seal it. Denied a third by an excellent save. For all of the exit talk, he's still the undisputed star man.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Lee-Kang In (7/10):
Energetic on the right. Perhaps should have been handed the start here
Nordi Mukiele (6/10):
A solid shift at left-back.
Manuel Ugarte (N/A):
No time to make an impact. Has fallen out of favour.
Randal Kolo Muani (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlos Soler (N/A):
Ten misused minutes at right-back.
Luis Enrique (7/10):
Made the big call and started Mbappe, while also deploying Dembele as a No.10, and it all came together nicely. PSG controlled the game and scored two great goals. A good night – the last eight will surely bring tougher challenges.