A good display from Karim Benzema saw Real Madrid overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain to secure qualification into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The 13-time champions dragged the French giants by one goal heading into the match at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti made two changes to the side that went through a defeat three weeks ago. Nacho Fernandez came in for the injured Ferland Mendy, while Federico Valverde started in midfield in place of Casemiro, who was suspended.
For PSG, the big news in the build-up to the game surrounded Kylian Mbappe’s fitness but the France international was given the all-clear to start the game. A fast beginning to the match witnessed both sides play at a high tempo and test both goalkeepers, although it was the visitors who had the better chances.Mbappe put the ball in the back of the net in the 34th minute after being played through by Nuno Mendes. However, the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside decision. He was not to be denied five minutes later when he raced in thanks to a through ball by Neymar Jr. He showcased great technique to evade challenges from Real Madrid’s defenders before slamming the ball home into the bottom left corner. Mbappe thought he had a second nine minutes into the second half but was again pulled up for what was a more obvious offside decision.
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Player Ratings:
Real Madrid:
Thibaut Courtois – 6.5/10
Nacho Fernandez – 6/10
David Alaba – 6.5/10
Eder Militao – 7/10
Dani Carvajal – 6.5/10
Federico Valverde – 7/10
Toni Kroos – 6/10
Vinicius Junior – 8/10
Marco Asensio – 5.5/10
Substitutes
Eduardo Camavinga – 6.5/10
Rodrygo – 7/10
Lucas Vazquez – 5.5/10
PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 4.5/10
Nuno Mendes – 6/10
Marquinhos – 5/10
Achraf Hakimi – 5.5/10
Leandro Paredes – 5.5/10
Marco Veratti – 5.5/10
Danilo – 5/10
Kylian Mbappe – 8/10
Lionel Messi – 5.5/10
Neymar Jr. – 6/10
Substitutes
Idrissa Gueye – 5.5/10
Angel di Maria – 5/10
Julian Draxler – N/A
