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Paris Saint-Germain secured a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 fixture at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. A masterful late goal by Kylian Mbappe proved to be the difference between the two European giants.
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Real Madrid had their backs against the wall in the first half of the game. However, they responded well after becoming visibly irritated due to their lack of possession. Carlo Ancelotti's men grew into the game as it progressed, all thanks to the evergreen midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric.
The second half was evenly matched by the two teams, but PSG always seemed to have an edge due to Real Madrid's regressive tactics off the ball. This led to the Spanish giants conceding a penalty in the 62nd minute.
After Mbappe was fouled in the penalty area by Dani Carvajal, Lionel Messi stepped up to take the ensuing penalty. However, his tame effort was comfortably knocked away by Thibaut Courtois.
Unfortunately for Real Madrid, a last-ditch effort by Mbappe in stoppage time was too lethal for Courtois. The Belgian was left helpless as the ball slid in between his feet to give the lead to the home side.
Let's now dive into the hits and flops from the game as PSG take a one-goal advantage in their Round-of-16 tie against Los Blancos.
#5 Hit: Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Kylian Mbappe had the entire focus of the Real Madrid defense during the game. However, his teammate on the left flank, Nuno Mendes, made sure that PSG did not lack any attacking threat. Not only was he a major offensive menace, but the Portuguese full-back was also fully committed to his defensive duties.
Mendes won nine of 12 ground duels contested and had a 100% dribble success rate, keeping Dani Carvajal pre-occupied during the entire 90 minutes of action. He also had an 86% pass success rate on the night.
The 19-year-old has earned his place in PSG's first team with his performances. This was one of those nights when Mauricio Pochettino's faith in the youngster would have grown multi-fold.
#4 Flop: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Dani Carvajal had a huge task on Tuesday as he had to go up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Nuno Mendes. Unfortunately, the Spanish defender made things even more difficult for himself during the 70 odd minutes of action that he was involved in.
Carvajal's decision-making was poor during the entire game, and he displayed bad positioning whenever Real Madrid had possession. His poor decision-making was clearly on show when he fouled Mbappe in the box to give the hosts a penalty. Carlo Ancelotti subsequently took him off with 20 minutes to spare.
Lucas Vazquez could be considered a starter for the second leg over Carvajal. However, Mbappe's dribble past Vazquez in the build-up to his goal proves that Ancelotti's coaching staff have a huge task to prepare both players for the second leg.
#3 Hit: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
If it wasn't for Real Madrid's Belgian shot-stopper, PSG would have had a walk-over at the Parc des Princes. Thibaut Courtois was impenetrable on Tuesday night, even with Lionel Messi having a penalty attempt.
The 29-year-old had an active first half, where he made two saves from Kylian Mbappe. However, the drama was yet to unfold.
An even more offensive PSG side emerged in the second half as they bombarded the Real Madrid box with attack after attack.
However, Courtois stood tall as he thwarted every opportunity the Ligue 1 giants had on goal. He denied the Parisians' eight efforts on target during the game. His best moment came just over the hour mark when he saved a game-turning penalty from Lionel Messi, silencing the Parc des Princes for a while.
#2 Flop: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi turned from hero to villain in 40 seconds as he failed to convert a spot-kick in the 62nd minute. With Real Madrid possessing so many experienced personnel, PSG knew the importance of the penalty.
The penalty miss followed a number of frustrating long-range efforts by the former Barcelona stalwart. He also failed to hit the target from a very good free-kick position.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner did display his array of quick-footed moves during the game. However, they did not have any real impact on the match.
#1 Hit: Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Playing against Real Madrid, let alone scoring the winner, was a bittersweet moment for Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman, whose contract at PSG expires at the end of the season, has been heavily linked with Los Blancos and is expected to join them in the summer.
However, the 23-year-old did not disappoint his current team as he broke the Madridistas' hearts in the 94th minute with a stunning goal.
The World Cup winner was ferociously active right from his first attempt on Thibaut Courtois' goal. Four of PSG's eight shots on target came from him, and he also won the penalty that Messi eventually took. Additionally, the forward completed six of his nine duels contested during the game.
With the away goals rule scrapped, Real Madrid will need to score two or more goals to oust PSG from the competition. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are in the driving seat for the second leg of the tie in March.
