PSG 1-2 Real Madrid (2- 5 agg): Player Ratings
The much-awaited second leg of the standout fixture from this year's Champions League Round of 16 did not showcase the comeback many expected. PSG had to overcome a 3-1 deficit and it was perhaps a mountain too steep to climb, especially without the injured Neymar.
The home side started the game brightly and there were very few clear-cut chances for either team to take the lead in the first half. PSG raised the tempo in the second half, but Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to meet a Lucas Vasquez cross and to give Madrid the lead.
Things got worse for the home side when Marco Verratti was sent off following a second yellow for dissent.
And, although Edinson Cavani equalised on the night, the result was put beyond question by Casemiro whose shot went in after a major deflection.
Real Madrid qualified for the Quarter Finals of the Champions League again and have a chance to win the trophy for an unprecedented third consecutive year.
Let us look at how the players fared:
Paris Saint-Germain
Alphonse Areola - 8/10
Produced two outstanding saves in the first half as he got down to palm a shot from Sergio Ramos and came out on top against Benzema in a one on one situation. He could not do much about either goal but it was a great individual performance.
Dani Alves - 5/10
Except for a through ball to Mbappe and another one to Cavani, Dani Alves offered very little going forward. He was often careless in possession and was dispossessed by Asensio and that lead to the opening goal.
Thiago Silva - 6/10
The PSG captain stood solid for the majority of the game and had to make crucial blocks to prevent Benzema from scoring. He tried hard to motivate the players but in vain.
Marquinhos - 6/10
Just like his companion, Marquinhos had a decent game. He was comfortable with the ball at his feet and often tried to play out from the back. Vital interceptions and clearances were made especially in the first half to deny Madrid from scoring.
Yuri Berchiche - 5/10
The Spanish full-back did not have the best of outings as he was caught out of position by Vasquez many a time, particularly in the second half. And just like Alves, he too provided very less offensive output, except for a really good low cross to Cavani in the second half.
Marco Veratti - 6/10
A topsy-turvy night for the Italian. He was without question their best player on the pitch and was controlling proceedings. He was always looking to initiate attacks and was linking up effectively with the forwards. He was first shown a yellow for a bad tackle on Casemiro and a second one followed for dissent in the 66th minute. Perhaps he should have shown more professionalism as PSG faltered after his dismissal.
Thiago Motta - 6/10
The deepest of the midfield three and was in charge of keeping the tempo going. A clean game from the veteran, but laboured after Veratti was sent off.
Adrien Rabiot - 6/10
Rabiot did well in the first half and complemented his companions well. He was partially at fault for Madrid's second goal as his tame clearance went straight to Casemiro who scored.
Angel di Maria - 7/10
A very lively start from di Maria had many wondering if he can fill Neymar's void. He put in decent crosses in the first half and had a free kick deflected off the wall. He also had a shot saved by Navas, but faded away in the second half. Di Maria attempted 15 crosses today. He was eventually subbed off as Draxler took his place.
Edinson Cavani - 5/10
A silent first half for the Uruguayan.in which there were a couple of occasions when he was in a good scoring position but his teammates decided to shoot themselves, leaving him frustrated. Knew very little about the goal he eventually scored and had a chance to score another when he was put through by Dani Alves towards the end of the game.
Kylian Mbappe - 4/10
Should have squared the ball to Cavani who was in a better scoring position in the first half and always tried to do too much himself when he should have released the ball much quicker. A night in which Mbappe would have learned some valuable lessons.
Substitutes
Javier Pastore - 7/10
Replaced Thiago Motta immediately after going PSG went behind and put Cavani through but was flagged offside. He was lively and showed some spark going forward.
Julian Draxler - 5/10
Replaced di Maria with fifteen minutes to go but struggled to make any noteworthy contribution.
Lassana Diarra- N/A
The veteran made his first appearance in the Champions League since March 2012 when played for Real Madrid. Ws subbed in for Mbappe and had too little time to do anything.