The Champions League is back with the knockout stages – and what a clash to start with: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Madrid. The giant duel promised more on paper than was shown on the pitch. The royals from Madrid relied on a stable defense from the start, sometimes defending with all ten field players – accents once morest the front? none. The hosts of Paris Saint-Germain tried a lot harder. Above all, super striker Kylian Mbappé, who probably played once morest his future employer on Tuesday, was by far the best player on the pitch, tried a lot and created chances. It was also the lightning-fast Mbappé who let Real defender Carvajal stand and the Spaniard only knew how to help himself in the 62nd minute with a foul in his own penalty area. Penalty for PSG. But it wasn’t the young Frenchman who competed, but superstar Lionel Messi. And this failed because of real goalie Thibaut Courtois. The signs were pointing to a clear draw – and then Kylian Mbappé came once more in the 94th minute of the game, made three Madrid players look completely old and scored 1-0.
Sporting – Manchester City 0:5
In the second game, Manchester City lived up to their role as favourites. At no time was a victory for the reigning English champions once morest Sporting Lisbon in jeopardy. Riyad Mahrez started the goal gala following seven minutes, a Bernardo Silva brace, Phil Foden and Rahem Sterling ensured a clear 5:0.