Despite struggling to make any significant contribution to his side in the first leg against FC Barcelona, Kylian Mbappe put out a much more impressive performance in the second leg. The Frenchman was responsible for two of his side’s four goals on the night. That being said, PSG booking their spot in the Champions League semi-final has sparked rumors surrounding his future at the club.
It is no secret that Mbappe has made up his mind to leave the Parisian giants at the end of the season. His most likely destination is La Liga, with his sights set on the Santiago Bernabeu. However, when asked about PSG‘s win against Barcelona potentially changing his decision, Mbappe had little to say.
No, no, no. I'm proud to wear PSG as I'm Parisien. I dream to win the Champions League with PSG. We will try to get to Wembley. Kylian Mbappe said in a post-match interview
His first goal of the tie proved to be his side’s most crucial yet, as his penalty gave PSG the lead on aggregate for the first time in the tie. His second came in the final minutes of the game, when the No.7 bundled the ball past the Barcà defense in a moment of confusion.
Barcelona fall at the hands of PSG as early red card haunts Xavi’s men
FC Barcelona looked the better side and more equipped to book their spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. An early goal from Raphinha meant that the hosts already had a foot in the semi-final. However, a regrettable moment from Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and the match official’s decision to send him off altered the course of the match.
A 10-man Barcelona failed to fend off a rampant PSG as Ousmane Dembele started the comeback in the 40th minute. Despite ending the first half trailing on aggregate, it was only a matter of minutes before Vitinha drew his side level on aggregate. Minutes later, Joao Cancelo fouled Dembele at the edge of the box, giving Kylian Mbappe to grab his first of the tie from the penalty spot.
His bullet strike flew past Marc-André ter Stegen and into the top-left corner. Despite a valiant effort to get back into the game, the hosts’ efforts proved to be too little too late. The metaphorical dagger in the heart came in the 89th minute, when a sublime save from Ter Stegen fell at the feet of Mbappe. The Frenchman made no error to tap the ball into the opposition’s net, sealing the deal for PSG.
More must-reads: