Paris Saint-Germain celebrated Valentine’s Day with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash. While love wasn’t explicitly shown on the pitch, the Parisiens displayed a burning desire for long-awaited European glory.
Things started shakily, with Sociedad nearly stealing the lead within 30 seconds. Mbappé threatened for PSG, but his shot was denied by Remiro. Kubo was a constant menace for Sociedad, creating chances that Silva just couldn’t convert.
As the half progressed, frustration mounted amongst the Parisian faithful. However, their response came through set pieces. A deflected Dembélé corner fell to Barcola, whose header went close. Then, the woodwork came to La Real’s rescue as Merino’s fierce strike rattled the crossbar.
Mbappé, kept relatively quiet until then, finally found the breakthrough from a corner. Marquinhos flicked Dembélé’s delivery on, and the French superstar applied a clever finish. Remiro kept Sociedad in the game with a superb save against Mbappé, but Barcola sealed the deal with a jinking run and composed finish for his first ever Champions League goal.
Kolo Muani had a late chance for Sociedad, but it sailed wide. The win extends PSG’s unbeaten home run across all competitions to 14, while Sociedad have now gone five games without a win. The Parisiens head to Anoeta Stadium with a healthy advantage, but La Real will need a March miracle to progress to the next round.
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