Kylian Mbappe struck a fantastic goal in stoppage-time during the game Paris St-Germain beat 13-time Champions League winners Real Madrid in the first game of their last-16 match.
The France striker, who was linked to an offer from Real during the summertime, was able to receive the ball in the left after an intelligent backheel played by Neymar and slipped between two defenders within the box before slipping through Thibaut Courtois his legs to send players in the Parc des Princes wild.
READ MORE: “Special” PSG “Will Cause Problems For Real Madrid”: David James
It was a dramatic end to a match that appeared to be heading towards anger for PSG, especially after Lionel Messi saw his penalty saved at the hour mark.
The hosts were dominant in possession, but they struggled to demolish a well-organized Real defense, which had held PSG to just one shot during the first period and when Mbappe had a shot blocked by Courtois his legs.
However, the addition of Neymar, who made his debut for the first time since November after healing from an injury, was decisive.
Neymar caused many Real issues with his dangerous crosses and intelligent runs before providing the crucial pass to Mbappe to make his mark with just a few seconds left.
The win gives PSG the chance to go into Madrid next Wednesday, March 9, and achieve the results they require to maintain their hopes of claiming their first Champions League title.
An audition that went well for Mbappe
The entire build-up to the match focused on Mbappe and what he could do during the game, which seemed like an attempt to test in front of his potential employers.
The 23-year old is one of the top players on the planet at the moment and has been performing admirably this season, his ability to score goals pulling PSG out of tricky situations numerous times.
A couple of days ago, he scored in the 93rd minute of play to ensure the win 1-0 at Rennes within Ligue 1 – and once again, he made an essential effect in this match.
Real To their credit, Real has defended well for so long, and their double-up on Mbappe largely thwarted the impact of his actions.
However, the addition of Neymar during the final stages provided the visitors with an additional risk to take on and also more room for Mbappe to cause trouble.
There was some relief from Real when Mbappe took his shot from the outside of the box beat Courtois but went wide from the post late in the game, but in the end, he did not miss the chance to win the match.
Mbappe’s 22nd goal in a remarkable season for the youngster. His accomplishments will undoubtedly have helped Real’s hopes for him to lead their team next season.
