A 17 minutes Karim Benzema hat-trick left Paris Saint-Germain stunned as Real Madrid produced a remarkable comeback to book a ticket to the Champions League quarter finals.
Kylian Mbappe (C) of Paris Saint-Germain in action against Eder Militao (R) of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen leg two match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
PSG – who had triumphed 1-0 in Paris from Kylian Mbappe’s last-gasp strike – had appeared to be in full control of the tie after the Madrid target scored on the night to put them 2-0 up but a remarkable final half-hour saw the game turned on its head.
Karim Benzema scored the match equaliser after an error from the visitors’ goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnaruma. He scored two goals within the space of a minute to complete his hat-trick and Madrid’s comeback.
70 years old duo stole the show
It was Mbappe’s and PSG’s midfield show for over an hour. Leandro Paredes, Danilo Pereira and Marco Verratti dictate the tempo of the game, one and two touch passes, triangles – they made it look so easy.
Mbappé scored three times, two of which were adjudged offside. But wasn’t enough as Real Madrid crawled their way back into the game after some substitutions.
Karim Benzema stepped up and scored an unforgettable 17-minutes hat-trick that will linger long in the memory.
The 34 years old French international spearheaded Madrid’s attacks throughout the game – going close several times – yet he once again showed his class, instinct and ability to keep his head when all those around him were losing theirs.
Luka Modric as well was full of running in the midfield and after the introduction of Eduardo Camavinga, who allowed him roam freely and sparehead Madrid’s transition. The 36 years old also got an assist for Benzema second goal.
Carlo Ancelotti’s masterclass substitution
It is now no longer any surprise that none of Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic or Isco are in the starting line-up for Real Madrid’s most important matches.
The first two are the club’s record signings while striker Jovic and Spanish playmaker Isco are also notable investments by Los Blancos.
Carlo Ancelotti, who had been known for his substitution coming on lately, but not the case here in the encounter as he brought on two substitutions before the an hour mark.
Young Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, teenage midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and utility man Lucas Vazquez were his substitutes – and they changed the game with their energy and thrust.
Lionel Messi’s Madrid woes continues
Lionel Messi has now gone nine matches against Real Madrid without scoring a goal or providing an assist, including having his penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois in the first leg of this tie.
Lionel Messi (R) and Neymar JR. (L) of Paris Saint-Germain are seen during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen leg two match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi has endured a tough time in the French capital since joining from Barcelona this summer – netting just twice in 18 domestic matches for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Yesterday, he hit his longest drought against an opponent in his club career.
Is Mauricio Pochettino’s time up at PSG?!
Paris Saint-Germain just appear to find a way to amuse in the Champions League and with this extraordinary exit, their head coach Mauricio Pochettino can also expect to depart at the end of the season or even earlier.
After a very productive summer transfer, PSG could not progress past the UCL round of 16. Whether he goes before then and whether he goes to Manchester United remains uncertain.
Kylian Mbappé Madrid project on?!
Kylian Mbappé put in a performance that was right at home in the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Not only was he PSG’s best performer of the tie, he will be 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 young Frenchman. He received a standing ovation from the Madrid faithful at kick-off. A confirmation of his imminent move ? It remains to be seen if indeed Mbappé will make the switch to the Bernabéu.
Author: Muhammed A. AHMAD
1 Comment
Hala Madrid��