Effective Mbappé, a unique and solid hinge, a sovereign midfielder… The Parisians’ notes after the round of 16 return

Paris Saint-Germain won on Tuesday against Real Sociedad (2-1) and secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

France Télévisions – Sports Editorial

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Paris Saint-Germain is back in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. For the first time in three seasons, the capital club managed to reach the eighth stage of C1, beating Real Sociedad on home turf on Tuesday March 5 (2-1). The Parisians achieved this victory thanks to a great Kylian Mbappé, a dominant midfielder and an unprecedented central defense, but particularly solid against the Basque attackers.

Gianluigi Donnarumma: 5.5/10

Very little used, as in the first leg, the Italian was close to achieving a second clean sheet in a row in C1 for the first time in his career. The Parisian goalkeeper had nevertheless made the necessary save in front of Beñat Turrientes (79th) but was finally beaten by Mikel Merino at the end of the match (89th).

Achraf Hakimi: 4.5/10

He will surely regret this sole on Javi Galán 80 m from his own goals (41st): warned, the Moroccan will be suspended during the quarter-final first leg. He tried to bring in offensively, without success, like his shot repelled by Alex Remiro (68th). Replaced by Carlos Soler (82nd).

Lucas Hernandez: 7/10

For once, the left-hander played in the right axis of the defense. This did not disturb him in the least and the French international produced a very clean copy. He finished the match at left back.

Lucas Beraldo: 7/10

In difficulty on the way out, the young Brazilian (20 years old) is progressing quickly. For his second C1 match, he showed great calm with several solid interventions in his area (2nd, 42nd). His magnificent pass which breaks several lines is at the origin of the second Parisian goal (56th).

Nuno Mendes: 4.5/10

For his first start in eleven months, Nuno Mendes had a difficult first half hour, ending it with a yellow card (28th). The Portuguese contributed little offensively. Replaced by Nordi Mukiele (61st), who almost cost a goal with a bad back pass (73rd).

Warren Zaire-Emery: 6.5/10

He once again stripped himself on the pitch and like a needy number 9, it was he who initiated the Parisian pressing. It is also his pressing which is at the origin of Mbappé’s enormous opportunity (29th). The midfielder played his tenth match in the competition even before his 18th birthday, which he will celebrate in three days.

Vitinha: 6.5/10

During the first half hour, the Portuguese was very good as the low point of the Parisian midfielder, before struggling until the break. He resumed his distributor activity after half-time. Valuable in the Parisian environment which dominated this meeting, he came close to scoring at the end of the match (90th + 2).

Fabian Ruiz: 6/10

Less visible than his two midfield teammates, Fabián Ruiz was still good in the midfield, making a physical impact and not letting go of Mikel Merino, Real’s master playmaker. Replaced by Manuel Ugarte (77th).

Ousmane Dembélé: 5.5/10

In a role of free electron, he was less visible than on the right side, even if he launched Mbappé in depth on the first Parisian goal (15th). A few technical errors but good defensive activity, which still cost him a yellow card (45th+4). Replaced by Randal Kolo Muani (82nd).

Kylian Mbappé: 8/10

He has once again proven, if some still doubted it, that he is impervious to pressure. Highly anticipated, the Parisian captain started the match very strongly before scoring twice: a flat shot with an open foot (15th), another flat shot with a closed foot (56th). Remiro prevented him from scoring a hat-trick (29th). Small event: he played the entire match.

Bradley Barcola: 4/10

Having held the left winger position for several weeks, he moved to the right this evening. His match came down to a point-blank deflection pushed back by Remiro (10th) and his good cross for Mbappé (29th). Replaced upon return from the locker room by Lee Kang-in (46th, 6/10)author of the decisive pass on Mbappé’s second goal (63rd).


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