PSG Keep Opportunities To Champions League Quarter-Finals After Defeating Real Sociedad
PSG Keep Opportunities To Champions League Quarter-Finals After Defeating Sociedad
JAKARTA - Paris Sant-Germain maintains their chances of qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Real Sociedad. In the first duel of the last 16 at the Parc de Princes Stadium, PSG won 2-0 over their rivals.
The victory made PSG favorite to qualify for the quarter-finals. However, the French Ligue 1 team still has to finish their second match at home to Sociedad, March 6, 2024.
It's just that PSG is enough to aim for a draw to qualify. On the other hand, Sociedad had to work hard to turn things around in order to get rid of PSG.
In that duel, Kylian Mbappe again became the star of PSG's victory. He broke the deadlock after PSG had difficulty scoring goals throughout the first half.
Sociedad was able to put up a tight fight. Their strong defense really made it difficult for Mbappe et al. Moreover, PSG did not fully master the game. The advantage of the host's possession ball was recorded at only 57%.
Even Sociedad had a chance for a goal in the first half, Andre Silva's header was wide. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino's shot is still soaring.
PSG coach Luis Enrique himself has warned his players that they will face a very solid team in defense. PSG's patience finally paid off in the second half.
Mbappe, who received assists from Marquinhos, was finally able to break into the Sociedad goal which was guarded by goalkeeper Alex Remiro. Mbappe's goal was created in the 58th minute.
The goal at least disbursed the tension of Enrique's team. Their game was getting more and more alive and his attack began to threaten the Sociedad defense.
The PSG player's efforts were not in vain again. This time, young Bradley Barcola striker successfully increased PSG's advantage. The 21-year-old striker managed to use Fabian Ruiz's pass to break into Sociedad's goal in the 70th minute.
The score is 2-0 for PSG. There were no additional goals and the score lasted until the end of the match. PSG still have to finish the second match to ensure tickets to the quarter-finals.
PSG had to be vigilant because they often failed in that round. Of the last seven PSG appearances in the Champions League, five of them only lasted in the round of 16.