Paris St Germain secured an impressive victory in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie against Real Sociedad, with second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola.
The Basque club arrived at the Parc des Princes unbeaten in this year’s competition, having topped Group D.
They arguably started the game as the better side, but PSG took control in the second half, ultimately securing a hard-fought 2-0 win.
Mbappe scored the opening goal in the 58th minute, volleying home after pouncing on Marquinhos’ corner.
The Frenchman’s strike into the top corner sparked wild celebrations among the Parc des Princes crowd.
PSG then extended their lead in the 70th minute, with Barcola scoring a fine individual goal after bursting through from the halfway line to net a tidy finish.
Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro could do little to stop either goal.
The visitors were unlucky not to score in the first half, with captain Mikel Merino unleashing a thunderous strike that exploded off the crossbar just before halftime.
PSG were lucky to go into the break with the match scoreless.
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Real Sociedad was temporarily down to 10 men after defender Hamari Traore was on the sidelines receiving medical treatment when Mbappe scored.
In an interview after the match, PSG captain Marquinhos gave credit to the coach Luis Enrique for the team’s improved performance in the second half.
“We struggled a lot in the first half. We spoke to each other at halftime, and the coach pulled our strings. He was really upset. Our attitude was much better in the second half. He always tells us the truth, and that’s very important for the team. He gave us some advice, and that worked well in the second half. The first part of our objective has been achieved. It’s important to win at home.”
PSG were the better side in the second half, creating more chances and dominating possession.
However, Real Sociedad held on and will have a tough task to fight back from two goals down in the return leg in Spain on March 5.
