MbappE’s Last-minute Goal Gives PSG Victory Over Real Madrid, While City Flexes Its Muscles In Lisbon

Thumbnail Picture: AFP

The first Champions League night of the week saw the main event PSG - Real Madrid being resolved in the very last instants of the game by Kylian Mbappé, while Manchester City earned a shattering victory against Sporting Lisbon, scoring five goals and conceding none to their opponents.

Paris Saint Germain - Real Madrid 1-0 (Mbappé, 90+4’)

The Parc de Princes’ match was apparently heading toward a scoreless draw, which would have handed the Blancos a slender lead for the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

The advantage becamr more tangible and substantial as the minutes went by, with PSG in total control of the game and yet incapable of concretizing the countless scoring opportunities throughout the game.

The biggest of them fell right on one of the special observed’s shoulders: Leo Messi — It was the first time that the Argentine superstar clashed against Real Madrid after leaving Barcelona.

At minute 62, Messi found himself in front of Thibaut Courtouis, following a penalty whistle for a foul from Dani Carvajal on Mbappé in the box.

However, his right-angled shot was correctly neutralized by Thibaut Courtouis, who distinguished himself with other great saves but had to eventually surrender to Kylian Mbappe, French talent paradoxiaclly linked to a transfer right in Madrid in the next summer window.

Mbappé’s goal brings the signature of another superstar composing PSG’s roster: Neymar, who assisted the teammate after making his comeback on the field, four months his ankle injury.

The return leg is scheduled for March 9.

Sporting - Manchester City 0-5 (Mahrez, 7’ - Bernardo Silva, 17’, 44’ - Foden, 32’ - Sterling 58’)

All too easy — way too easy — for Pep Guardiola’s guys, who trashed Sporting setting a new record in Champions League history.

Citizens became the first team to lead by four goals at half time in the knockout stage.

Bernardo Silva, who, paradoxically, played in his hometown, Lisbon, was the authentic scene stealer, scoring a double and registering the umpteenth brilliant performance.

The return leg, at Etihad Stadium, will be a mere formality for Manchester City, that “paid tribute” to the away goal rule, made obsolete by EUFA starting from this season.