In the opening leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, PSG defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 on a day honoring love. Let’s examine this exciting contest!
In Short
Luis Enrique’s Aggressive tactics
The atmosphere was magical on Wednesday evening in the capital. After successful negotiations in three different competitions at the beginning of 2024, PSG geared up for the fourth competition, which carried the taste of Europe. The Paris Princess Des Princes was filled with a special European ambiance for this first meeting with Real Sociedad. It was a spectacular match where Luis Enrique’s tactics were perfectly executed.
Indeed, PSG’s coach summoned the full strength of his starting eleven, which was not only attractive but also aggressive, with Mbappé, Dembélé, and Barcola leading the charge.
Passion filled the air that evening. In the face of eager home crowds, Rouge et Bleu were prepared to shake the mountains. There was no risk-taking against the Spanish side: Real Sociedad had come to the capital to weave their net for PSG’s Parisians. Determined and strong, this Basque side possessed all the qualities of a tough opponent. The stage was set.
PSG’S First Step
The first step was clear: don’t be afraid. With the match kicking off at a speed of 1,000 miles per hour, PSG had to firmly grasp the intensity of the game to avoid being surprised. Supercharged, hyper-focused, and driven by a determined crowd, the Parisians played the game well, giving their all to win every ball in the face of relentless pressing. Therefore, after the first phase, which needed to be handled with more seriousness than extravagance, the initial hurdle was successfully overcome.
The second phase: utilize your strengths to find the way. It was never about overpowering any opponent, who had not succeeded in being victorious in this Champions League campaign. It was about unsettling them, about wearing them down. Leave them amazed. It was about accepting that facing a team so thoroughly organized at every turn, they needed glimpses of brilliance.
The Duo
And who better than Mbappé and Dembélé to reverse the power balance? After some supersonic attacks (5′, 7′), PSG’s two artists started threatening dangerously after the break. Real was not far from conceding… and after Ousmane Dembélé’s well-taken corner and a distraction by Markvinhos, Kylian Mbappé popped up to catch the ball under the bar and send the Paris Princess into raptures! (1-0, 57′). If necessary, it was a perfect reminder that great matches belong to great champions.
PSG literally didn’t have a single proper chance at goal until Kylian scored this fantastic poachers goal
— Kylian Mbappe is the GOAT (@Tezzathekchen) February 14, 2024
This is what it means to be a GOAT level player, the ability to SCORE in big games when your team are struggling, not spam a million dribbles and through balls https://t.co/fRXxj4T99K pic.twitter.com/Nz2cK74H3y
Last but not least, watch it! Fired up by the early goal, Rouge et Bleu skillfully navigated the rest of the match with strength on the accelerator. There was no question of letting go. From the magical Dembélé to the hungry-for-goals Mbappé, the Spanish goal was witnessing a wave after wave of attack.
Also Read : “Real Madrid’s Champions League Triumph: Brahim Diaz Shines, Filling Void Left by Absent England Star”
The missile from Paris’ striker broke the bar, sending the crowd into a frenzy! (62′). A fatal blow before the soft touch! The magician Dembélé, taking full advantage of Bradley Barcola’s dead ball, scored a victorious goal (2-0, 70′) on Valentine’s Day, igniting the hearts of all Paris Saint-Germain fans.
BARCOLA, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, WHAT A GOAL!!! 🇫🇷⚽️
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) February 14, 2024
WOW, SIMPLY SENSATIONAL. ✨😍 pic.twitter.com/gFRvSfOPIN
In the end, between United, Paris Saint-Germain’s players gave everything to maintain their lead. Their team spirit received a boost from individual brilliance, leaving the home fans spellbound! At the end of the intense struggle of the first leg, Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious and now march confidently towards their second leg.
Goalkeeper and Defense
Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):
Made some good saves, and otherwise had no trouble. Surprisingly, his night was so calm.
Achraf Hakimi (6/10):
Offered some good runs forward but lacked much quality on the right side. Most of Real’s threats came from the other side.
Marquinhos (7/10):
Supported Mbappé’s attacking play, won their aerial duels, and kept the ball dynamic. An impressive presence.
Danilo Pereira (8/10):
Completed all his passes except for four, didn’t lose the 50/50s, and looked assured from behind. He could be an ideal partner for Marquinhos.
Lucas Beraldo (7/10):
Given priority to handle Harnandez and effectively contained the left side. Kept things calm for most parts and handled Take Kubo well.
Midfield
Woren Zaire-Amri (6/10):
A hard-working change in midfield. Didn’t do much in possession but did his defensive duties diligently.
Vitinha (7/10):
A bustling presence in central midfield – especially after the break. Won back possession regularly, made things happen in tight spaces.
Fabian Ruiz (7/10):
A tidy presence on the left side of midfield three. Linked up effectively with Mbappé. Helped in Barcola’s goal. A performance that made a case for more minutes.
Attack
Ousmane Dembélé (5/10):
Wasted a side-netting shot from one of the best chances in the first half. Nothing remarkable in the frustrating 90 minutes.
Kylian Mbappé (8/10):
Missed a good chance early on but redeemed himself with an excellent finish to secure PSG’s first place. Rattled the bar shortly after and scored a goal. Terrifying when he’s in this mood.
Bradley Barcola (8/10):
A fantastic shift on the left side. Did his defensive work effectively, competed for the 50/50s, and scored his goal brilliantly. His best performance in a PSG shirt.
