Mbappe on target as PSG secure 2-0 first-leg victory over Real Sociedad

Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola scored second-half goals to give Paris St Germain a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

The Basque club, who arrived at the Parc des Princes unbeaten in this year's competition after winning Group D, were arguably the better side until Mbappe scored a volley from Marquinhos' corner in the 58th minute to give PSG the lead.

PSG took control of the game, and in the 70th minute, Barcola extended their lead by nudging the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Alex Remiro.

"We struggled a lot in the first half. We spoke to each other at halftime and the coach (Luis Enrique) pulled our strings. He was really upset," PSG captain Marquinhos told Canal Plus.

"Our attitude was much better in the second half. He (Luis Enrique) 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 fortunate to go into the break with the game scoreless, as Real Sociedad captain Mikel Merino unleashed a thunderous strike that exploded off the crossbar just before halftime.

Mbappe, who missed his club's previous match due to an ankle injury, took advantage of Real Sociedad being down to ten men while defender Hamari Traore was receiving medical treatment.

Mbappe's strike into the top corner sparked wild celebrations among the Parc des Princes crowd, and the Frenchman nearly extended PSG's lead a few minutes later, but his thunderous effort was saved by Remiro.

Barcola extended PSG's lead in the 70th minute with a fine individual display, as he burst through from the halfway line to score a clean finish.
PSG had more chances to score, but the visitors held on and will face a difficult task to recover from a two-goal deficit in the return leg in Spain on March 5.

SportsLigue