Champions League Last 16 First Match: Mbappe Is Back, PSG Is Superior Against Sociedad

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe returns to play against Real Sociedad in the Champions League. (X/@PSG_Inside)

JAKARTA - The forward Kylian Mbappe again became the mainstay of Paris Saint-Germain against Real Socied in the first match of the Champions League last 16 at the Parc des Princes Stadium, Thursday, February 15, 2024 in the morning WIB. Mbappe himself did not play when PSG won 3-1 over Lille.

The match against Lille was not easy for PSG. Moreover, Lille is at the top of the French Ligue 1 standings. However, PSG was able to overcome it even without Mbappe.

Yes, Mbappe, who has collected 30 goals for 29 games in various competitions, was not played despite sitting on the bench. He only recovered from an ankle injury when PSG beat Brest 3-1 in Coup de France or the French Cup.

Despite having recovered, coach Luis Enrique chose to back Mbappe up. The captain of the French national team will start again in a crucial match against Sociedad.

"If the team has players at Kylian Mabppe level, the more often they play, the better the team will be. Obviously that is unquestionable," said Enrique when mentioning Mbappe's chances in the first match of the last 16.

"He could have been played in the previous match. But it wasn't a final match. So, he didn't need to play because it wasn't worth the risk. Mbappe was clearly playing in that match like everyone else," he said.

The Spaniard, who once succeeded in coaching Barcelona, hopes that Mbappe can bring PSG to victory in this first match. Moreover, Les Parisiens played at home so they must be able to maximize this advantage.

Enrique hopes the team will fully focus and not be disturbed by Mbappe who will leave PSG at the end of the season.

Incidentally, Mbappe is still uncertain because his move to another club, especially Real Madrid, is still the same. Including the possibility of this being his last match with PSG in the Champions League.

"Probably his last game? No. I don't feel sad or happy. This is a game like any other," said Enrique.

Yes, the former coach of the Spanish national team wants the team to focus on winning the match. Not for what reason, Sociedad is clearly taken into account by Enrique. As a La Liga team in Spain, Enrique knows Sociedad is not an opponent that can be taken lightly.

Moreover, they have just lost 1-0 against Osasuna in domestic competitions in weekend matches.

Although currently stuck in seventh place in the league, Takefusa Kubo et al actually played brilliantly in the Champions League. They are unbeaten and outperform Inter Milan so they can win the group.

"Sociedad have a very strong defense in the Champions League. They don't have to lose the ball easily. We have to play aggressively to put pressure on them," said Enrique.

"They are one of the best teams in the Champions League. No wonder they can qualify by winning the group. The team is also handled by the best coach. Imanol [Alguacil] is a great coach figure," he said.

Enrique himself did not make many changes to the squad. Instead Alguacil had to field a different team because a number of players were still injured.

Mikel Oyarzabal's flagship striker is also doubtful. He has missed the last two matches of Sociedad due to a muscle injury.

Oyarzabal's position will be replaced by Ander Barrenetxea, supported by Kubo and Umar Sadiq. While behind, Alguacil recalled right-back Hamari Traore and center-back Robin Le Normand to strengthen the defense.

The match is predicted to be tight even though PSG is slightly seeded. However, with the advantage of playing at home, PSG is more likely to win. However, Sociedad was able to make a surprise in the away match.

Lineup Forecast Of Paris Saint-Germain (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Danilo, Marquinhos, Hernandez; Urgate, Zare-Emery; Dembele, Asensio, Kolo Muani; Mbappe

Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Galan; Merino, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Sadiq, Barrenetxea