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Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 on aggregate.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice to lead PSG into the Champions League quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-1 win away to Real Sociedad in their last-16 second leg, completing a 4-1 aggregate victory on Tuesday.
In their quest for their first Champions League trophy, a disciplined PSG capitalised on counter-attack opportunities, with the lightning-fast Mbappe posing a constant threat.
After a stunning group stage in which they went unbeaten and finished ahead of last year’s finalists Inter Milan in Group D, La Liga side Real Sociedad, who are dealing with injuries and have won only one of their past ten matches in all competitions, ran out of steam.
Paris Saint-Germain secures place in the Champions League Quarterfinals
Mbappe was having an incredible night, and his pace and agility proved too much for the hosts’ defense to handle. He was practically unstoppable down the left channel, and with his brace on Tuesday, he has scored 11 of PSG’s previous 15 Champions League knockout goals.
“We realized right away that we couldn’t fall asleep. If they had opened the scoring, they would have continued with their fans’ support,” Mbappe told Canal Plus.
“We have to lower their expectations early on. That’s what we did, and we’re delighted to be back in the quarterfinals.”
Mbappe had a couple of early chances before scoring the opening goal with a fantastic curling strike in the 15th minute.
After receiving a long pass from Ousmane Dembele, he charged into the box, darting in from the byline and pretending to shoot before moving the ball off of his feet and generating just enough space to send a curling shot into the far corner.
The goal silenced a sold-out Reale Arena, which appeared astonished by the France captain’s vision and talent. Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro later blocked a similar effort.
However, Mbappe scored again in the 56th minute, taking a Lee Kang-in through ball and racing into the box to beat the goalkeeper at his near post.
Paris Saint-Germain was satisfied to sit back against a meek Real Sociedad, who posed little threat for the majority of the game.
They attempted a late push but were denied by the post following a Martin Zubimendi strike and then by keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made a fine reflex save to deny Benat Turrientes from close range.
Mikel Merino scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute with a deflected strike. However, it was too late to keep PSG from reaching the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in three years.
