Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola got the goals for PSG (AFP via Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe was on target as PSG battled to a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Champions League.
The last-16 tie is now in their control, ahead of the second leg in Spain next month, despite Sociedad arguably being the better side until Mbappe turned home from close range just before the hour mark after Marquinhos flicked on a corner.
PSG have been knocked out of the competition at this stage in five of the last seven seasons, as their wait for a first Champions League title goes on, and there was little to be impressed by with their start to the match.
Mbappe wasted a big early opportunity, after being played clean through by Ousmane Dembele, but Sociedad’s energy caused the hosts real problems. Take Kubo was a constant threat down the right, dragging a shot just wide, while Mikel Merino smacked an effort against the bar from distance late in the half.
The question was whether Sociedad could keep up their high press and the relentless intensity; the answer was no. Mbappe was naturally the man to open the scoring, drifting into the perfect position to leave himself a simple finish.
And the match turned from that moment onwards, PSG suddenly dominant in midfield and the energy seemingly sapped from the Sociedad legs.
It was no surprise then when the lead was doubled, Bradley Barcola skipping past Hamari Traore and poking a composed finish through the legs of goalkeeper Alex Remiro for his first Champions League goal.
Sociedad were unable to hit back in the final 20 minutes, as their run without a goal stretched to five matches for the first time since 1973. The hope for La Real now perhaps lies in PSG’s away record in Europe, with Luis Enrique’s side picking up one point on the road in the group-stage, conceding seven goals in the process.
