Champions League: as promised, the Barcola-Mbappé-Dembélé trio shines and offers victory to Paris Saint-Germain

Bradley Barcola scored the second Parisian goal with a superb sequence. MAXPPP – Fred Dugit

Paris Saint-Germain won this Tuesday, February 14 against Real Sociedad (2-0), at the end of a meeting which took time to resolve. The Parisians can negotiate their return scheduled for March 5 with a great advantage. 

A Valentine's Day with a European taste. Tuesday evening, the Parisians rediscovered their love of victory in the round of 16 of the Champions League after having failed two years in a row at this stage. 

The capital club started as favorites against a Real side affected by injuries, including that of their captain Mikel Oyarzabal, as well as by an offensive sterility which had not caused them to score the slightest goal in 4 matches . 

Despite this, the attitude displayed by the Basque club from the kick-off seems to have initially surprised PSG. 

Like Franco-Spanish defender Robin Le Normand, the Basques showed a certain aggressiveness in the first half which initially destabilized their evening opponent. ;

The flaw found in the second half

Things settled down in the second half for the Parisians. A completely different match, it seems. 

PSG controls the ball more, to the point of creating real dangerous scoring opportunities. What was supposed to happen happened on the hour mark. 

From a corner from Ousmane Dembélé then from a deflection from Marquinhos, at the reception, always the same, Kylian Mbappé. The French striker was also named man of the match. 

Ten minutes later, a brilliant move by Bradley Barcola allows Paris Saint-Germain to widen the gap and take a breather.

Dans son stade, le Paris Saint-Germain s'est imposé à l'occasion de la manche aller des huitièmes de finale de la Ligue des Champions 🆚 la Real Sociedad (2-0). Le compte rendu de la victoire. 🗞️⤵️#PSGRSO I #UCL

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) February 14, 2024

The Basques are no longer there facing a PSG who have woken up, belatedly certainly, but in good shape and with the desire to do battle. 

Before the return match in the emblematic Anoeta stadium, Luis Enrique's men put themselves in a more than favorable position. 89%: this is PSG's chance of qualifying.

It is now up to them to equip themselves with the weapons and courage necessary for this new European challenge.