Real Madrid Comeback Qualify for Champions League Round of 8 Defeat PSG

Real Madrid Comeback Qualify for Champions League Last 8 Defeat PSG – Immediately after December’s draw for the Champions League last 16 after Los Blancos knocked out Paris Saint Germain. All eyes are on a certain French striker. And for a long time, Kylian Mbappe looked set to be the difference maker. Between two European giants who are also in a tug of war for the forward’s future. His superb first-leg goal at the Parc des Princes was decisive then, and he terrorized Los Blancos even further in Madrid.

The  situation changes

But out of nowhere, the tie turned. With Karim Benzema once again proving his master status with a truly extraordinary display of ruthlessness. As Madrid won 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to secure their passage to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate. This is completely unpredictable. After all, the tie was set up perfectly for The Narrative. Get things done in this clash of giants. For months, maybe years. Madrid has been tempted by the idea of ​​bringing Mbappe to the Spanish capital. Even made a big bid for him last August.

Carlo Ancelotti is asked about him at almost every pre-match press conference, as is the obsession of the Spanish press. But PSG’s determination in August seems to be paying dividends more than six months later, with Mbappe important last time out and in the mood here. Ahead of the trip to Madrid, PSG communicated how the Frenchman was a doubt due to an injury in training. Whether it is the truth or an excuse can only be confirmed by Mauricio Pochettino. One thing is for sure, Mbappe looks as sharp as ever. The warning signs were there twice in the first 13 minutes. On both occasions. Mbappe managed to get behind Madrid’s risky high defense, but the hosts did not qualify each time.

No Tactical Change

Although there are worrying signs for Madrid. You never expect a tactical change from Ancelotti, given that Madrid desperately needs at least one goal. As such, Mbappe’s cheat code always seems to be a possibility for PSG as long as the other 10 stay focused. For all the obsession with tactics. Pochettino’s approach seems to resemble that of the millions of FIFA video game players over the years. Kicking the ball past the defense for very fast players. And that’s exactly how the breakthrough came. PSG held on to a corner and Neymar took possession deep in his own half. Mbappe was on duty and the Brazilian provided Dani Carvajal’s first pass.

Mbappe sprang forward, curling a shot around Eder Militao and then opting for a close corner, clinching Zlatan Ibrahimovic as PSG’s all-time leading scorer in the process. The offside flag then ruthlessly. But crucially right, denying Mbappe what would have been a classic Champions League goal early in the second half. Capitalized on a through ball and beat Thibaut Courtois with a fine move before he even touched the ball and into the net.

PSG’s performance went awry

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s pass on the ball made Madrid equalize. When Benzema let go and then stabbed from Vinicius Junior’s pass. Suddenly Madrid was like a pack of mad wolves. Donnarumma’s indecision began to overcome his other four defenders. With PSG almost instantly going from being in control to being downright terrified. Just 15 minutes later, 1-1 turned 2-1. With Luka Modric playing brilliantly in midfield to pick Vinicius, who patiently waited for the Croatian to appear on the edge of the box and he scored. Ball through Benzema to steer home.

Then, within seconds of PSG restarting the game. Marquinhos panicked in his own area, flicking the ball into the path of Benzema, who unleashed a superb finish into the bottom right corner. Picking it up with the outside of his foot without stopping his steps.

This sparked an uproar in the Santiago Bernabeu stands as it quickly made the Madrid fans and players aware that the game was theirs. While PSG had the best part of 15 minutes to fight back, a bewildering lack of composure from the hour mark has dented their confidence. Mbappe saw, having gone from unstoppable to helpless in the space of just a few minutes of the second half. Of course, the main difference between goal scorers is their respective supporting players.

While Lionel Messi, Marco Verratti and Neymar were impressive in the first half, they were nowhere to be seen after the break. Madrid, on the other hand, are already looking threatening with Vinicius up top alongside Benzema. The Brazilian excelled where compatriot Neymar couldn’t – the young winger was relentless, working very hard to ensure Benzema didn’t have to go it alone, even if headlines would suggest it was all him.

The Match Determines Mbappe’s Future

There is a school of thought that this match will ultimately determine where Mbappe ends up next season. With this evidence, the three strikers in front of him, Benzema and Vinicius, will be tempting. Mbappe has so far been very calm and resolute when asked about his future, but Madrid has given him a glimpse of what awaits him.

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