In what was billed as the standout tie of the Champions League Round of 16, Paris Saint-Germain edged out Real Madrid during a first leg in Paris with Kylian Mbappe firing home a last-minute winner.
It had appeared to be a frustrating night for PSG, who dominated the territory and Lionel Messi was remarkably thwarted from the penalty spot by Thibaut Courtois just after the hour mark.
Mbappe – the standout player on the pitch throughout – won the penalty after being felled by Dani Carvajal and the French superstar proved to be the difference with his powerful late finish to break the Madrid resistance.
It was a game in which Madrid were happy to sit back and soak up pressure, with PSG unable to find the combination to unpick the lock of the Spanish giant’s defence until the closing seconds.
Mirror Football sum up the five main talking points of the night’s action, with all to play for ahead of next month’s second leg in the Spanish capital.
Messi's frustrations continue
Lionel Messi has endured a tough time in the French capital since joining from Barcelona this summer – netting just twice in 16 domestic matches for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
He had enjoyed more success in Europe – netting five group stage goals for PSG – and despite playing several excellent through balls for his strike partner Mbappe, he was far from his scintillating best in a tight encounter.
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Messi’s lack of form in front of goal was highlighted in the most painful fashion, as he was thwarted by Thibaut Courtois’s penalty save.
It was a smart stop from the Belgian but it was a weak spot kick and Messi gave Courtois a chance.
Messi has now gone eight matches against Real Madrid without scoring a goal or providing an assist.
Magnificent Mbappe
All the talk in the build-up to this game was not about Lionel Messi but his attack partner Kylian Mbappe – who has bagged 20 goals this campaign.
Not only is he PSG’s star man, but he is out of contract in four months and is said to be on the verge of joining Real Madrid as a free agent.
The Spanish giants have had a long-standing admiration of the Frenchman and despite not finding the net, he was the best player on the pitch throughout.
Mbappe tested Courtois with several powerful efforts after smartly-timed runs, while he also won the penalty – after drawing the foul from Dani Carvajal.
Mbappe bagged his 22nd goal of the season after being assisted by substitute Neymar as the game ticked into the final minute of injury time.
Still aged just 23, Mbappe is firmly established as an elite attacking talent – although he may be on the opposite side in any future ties between these two.
Courtois imperious
Thibaut Courtois has blossomed into the best goalkeeper in the world since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea.
Nobody can remember any notable individual errors but every week, he makes at least one crucial save – often those which are match-defining.
He did not exactly face a bombardment in Paris but he made several smart stops from Kylian Mbappe before getting down to not only save Messi’s penalty, but to palm it away to safety.
There is simply no more reliable goalkeeper at this level at the moment than the Belgian international.
Madrid’s midfi eld trio
Every year, it is suggested that Real Madrid’s midfield is too slow and too old, and each year they prove the doubters wrong.
Luka Modric, now aged 36, is ageing like a fine wine while Toni Kroos and Casemiro are now 32 and 29 respectively.
This is not a midfield trio who will press or hassle their opponents for 90 minutes, but they are one who can control the tempo of a match and provide shape.
Joe Cole mused on BT Sport ahead of the match: “I think PSG will win. Ancelotti has made a mistake with an experienced midfield, PSG will have too much legs for them.”
Ultimately, Madrid’s midfield sat deep and were able to hold their shape without too many problems.
Casemiro and Mendy suspended
Real Madrid have suffered a double blow ahead of the second leg in Madrid with midfield lynchpin Casemiro and left-back Ferland Mendy both ruled out through suspension.
The pair each received yellow cards at the Parc des Princes, meaning they are now over the threshold for a suspension for the return leg.
They will each be significant losses for Carlo Ancelotti’s side – Mendy will be replaced by the ageing Mendy at full-back while Madrid are likely to bring in Fede Valverde to replace Casemiro, but Madrid have no other natural holding midfielder.
