Published5. March 2024, 22:55
Football: Show Mbappé for PSG, Bayern can save its season
With a gala Kylian Mbappé, Paris Saint-Germain qualified against Real Sociedad (1-2; first leg 2-0), in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League. Lazio cracked in Bavaria (3-0; 1-0).
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Robin Carrel
The Parisian star responded to criticism with a double. As usual.
AFP
Great players often shine in big matches. Or at least when their team absolutely needs them. Kylian Mbappé is made of this wood, the football world has known it for a long time. The controversies of recent days – ranging from his departure from Paris, to his possible signing for Real Madrid, including his astonishing management by his coach Luis Enrique – have not changed this state of affairs.
The Bondy prodigy settled the matter when the game was only a quarter of an hour old and his team had not really felt the pressure of the Stade Anoeta, even though hell had been promised to them by the Spanish media. The Frenchman, launched in depth, did everything alone in the middle of four defenders and ended up shaking goalkeeper Remiro’s small net.
Shortly before, the Parisian captain had served on a Barcola tray and it took a small miracle from the Basque porter not to capitulate too quickly. Mbappé almost scored again at the half-hour mark, missing the target by nothing. He ended up doubling the lead in the 56th minute, with complete control over the opponent’s goal, after a brilliant opening from Lee.
It’s in the old pots…
The youngest PSG in its history in the Champions League (23 years and 361 days on average at kick-off) easily mastered the rest, notably through its ability not to give the ball back too quickly and thanks to interesting all-round pressing. ground. Already beaten in the first leg (2-0) despite an interesting performance for an hour, the Basques were unable to do anything against Mbappé at this level. Their beautiful story ended with a goal snatched by Merino in the 89th.
From Munich, Immobile, the Laziale captain, will undoubtedly find the way back very long. The Italian striker missed a mountain in the 37th minute and the opportunity to make Bayern doubt even more. Because a little over a minute later, Kane did not miss the opportunity to equalize and set the Allianz Arena on fire.
Just before the break (45th+2), it was Müller who offered the Bavarians the qualifying goal, after a fabulous volley from Ligt. The German veteran’s first goal in C1 since October 2022. Kane, a surface fox, further increased his statistics in the 66th. Coach Thomas Tuchel, who already knows that he will leave at the end of the season, has gained a few weeks of respite and can still save his record.