Real Madrid 3(3)- 1(2) PSG: 5 talking points as Karim Benzema's hat-trick sinks the Parisians | UEFA Champions League 2021-22
Real Madrid staged a staggering comeback in the second leg of their Round of 16 second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Wednesday night. Los Blancos won the game 3-1 and sealed the tie 3-2 on aggregate to book their place in the quarter-finals of the European competition.
Real Madrid started on a positive note at the Santiago Bernabeu, trying to make an early statement. PSG, meanwhile, grew confident as the game progressed and came close to opening the scoring through Kylian Mbappe. But Thibaut Courtois made a great save to deny the visitors. However, the French giants finally broke the deadlock through Mbappe, who slotted home after receiving a great through ball from Neymar in the 39th minute.
Real Madrid came out all guns blazing in the second half. Karim Benzema forced PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into making an error before capitalizing on it to make it 1-1 on the night in the 61st minute.
Benzema then scored Madrid's second in the 76th minute following some brilliant work by Luka Modric. The Frenchman made it 3-1 just two minutes later after pouncing on an error from Marquinhos to bury one in into the bottom corner.
FT: @realmadriden 3-1 @PSG_English (agg. 3-2)
@Benzema 61', 76', 78'; MbappΓ© 39'
π FT: @realmadriden 3-1 @PSG_English (agg. 3-2)
β½ @Benzema 61', 76', 78'; MbappΓ© 39'
#Emirates | #UCL https://t.co/I4iQKSQB6M
On that note, here's a look at five talking points from the game:
#5 PSG's defense crumbled under pressure
PSG's back-line of Achraf Hakimi, Presnel Kimpembe, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes were completely outplayed by Real Madrid. Marquinhos was unable to keep hold of the ball and lost possession several times under pressure. The Brazilian was even responsible for Real Madrid and Benzema's third goal.
Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi was unable to keep Vinicius Jr. at bay. The Real Madrid forward line completely rattled the opposition defenders. Additionally, Donnarumma made a huge blunder to award Real Madrid the equalizer as he failed to clear the ball when he had time.
#4 Kylian Mbappe was the only positive for PSG
Kylian Mbappe was his usual self against Real Madrid. The French international wrecked havoc every time he advanced towards the Madrid goal.
Mbappe put PSG 1-0 up in the 39th minute after receiving a defense-splitting pass from Neymar. The former Monaco star deceived Courtois and David Alaba before slotting one in to help his side take a 2-0 aggregate lead.
Leo Messi + @KMbappe π₯°
#π₯π π£π¦π https://t.co/o99TAAYd0w
Mbappe won five duels, made four recoveries, completed two dribbles and created two chances against Real Madrid.
In a game where Lionel Messi and Neymar went missing, Mbappe was the sole PSG star trying to make something happen.