Kylian Mbappe made a triumphant return from injury, securing a goal for Paris St-Germain and shifting the balance in their favor in the Champions League last-16 clash against Real Sociedad.
Despite an initially lackluster performance, Mbappe’s well-timed strike at the back post, following a corner, provided the breakthrough.
Bradley Barcola extended PSG’s lead with a skillful finish past Real Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro.
Earlier, Remiro had thwarted Mbappe’s attempt for a second goal by tipping it onto the crossbar.
While PSG, seeking their first Champions League title, struggled in the first half, Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino hit the bar just before halftime.
The second leg in Spain on March 5 offers Real Sociedad a chance to reverse the situation, but they’ll need a more potent attacking approach.
In another surprising result, Ciro Immobile’s penalty propelled Lazio to a shocking victory over Bayern Munich in their Champions League last-16 first leg.
Immobile converted from the spot after Dayot Upamecano’s red card for a foul on Gustav Isaksen.
Despite boasting a star-studded attack with Harry Kane, Bayern failed to respond in a lackluster display, marking their second defeat in five days and intensifying the pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel.
Lazio now holds an advantage going into the second leg in Munich on March 5, aiming to eliminate the six-time winners.