Paris Saint-Germain established their superiority over Real Madrid throughout Tuesday night’s Champions League last-16 first leg at the Parc des Princes, as the French side won 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Kylian Mbappe.
Carlo Ancelotti‘s men will be hopeful that they can muster up enough to comeback in the second leg to knock out one of the best sides in the world.
At the heart of PSG‘s attack was the man that Real Madrid have been after for years: Mbappe.
The 23-year-old was the best player on the night, causing constant headaches for the Real Madrid defence. Not only did he win a penalty from Dani Carvajal, but he stunned many by scoring a late winner past Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid will be hoping that a very different game awaits in return leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 9.
Real Madrid: Down but not out
The late winner from Mbappe dramatically changed how Real Madrid would have viewed their performance.
Prior to his winner, Real Madrid were on course to draw 0-0 after Courtois saved a penalty from Lionel Messi.
This would have given Ancelotti‘s side confidence going into the second at home, knowing that a win on the night puts them through, but now their fate is much less certain.
Real Madrid will also be without Casemiro and Ferland Mendy, who received bookings during the first leg and are suspended for the next Champions League fixture.
Mbappe streets ahead
From the first whistle to the last Mbappe ran the show for PSG, which came as no surprise for the Real Madrid defence, who attempted to double up on him from minute one.
His footballing and physical supremacy reigned over Real Madrid, and it was no more apparent than when he won the penalty off Carvajal and when he scored his winner in a calm and clinical manner.
Real Madrid fans will have been keeping a close eye on Mbappe and dreaming of what he could achieve at their club, should he complete his long-awaited move to the Bernabeu next summer.
