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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

World media praises Mbappé: "Dazzling, unstoppable, the best"

Mbappé was universally hailed as the new football king after his exhibition display and stoppage-time winner against Real Madrid: "A work of art"

World media praises Mbappé: "Dazzling, unstoppable, the best"
JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELADIARIO AS

Kylian Mbappé terrorised Real Madrid from start to finish during last night's Champions League Last 16 first leg in Paris and the world's media were in agreement - the PSG striker is the new king of football after his exhibition display against Ancelotti's team. Here is a selection from some of the reports from major newspapers around the world:

Last-gasp Mbappé gives PSG deserved first-leg advantage

Mbappé: "I'm a PSG player, I'm always very happy"

UCL away goals rule: what happens if there is a draw?

El País (Spain)

Mbappé makes Madrid pay

“Mbappé showed he is still a PSG player and made a meek and ricket Real Madrid pay the price for their lack of ambition. In reality, Madrid could do little other than grit their teeth and try to ride out the onslaught. They managed to do that until 40 seconds before the final whistle when Mbappé rifled in the only goal of the game. It was fully deserved, because not only was the French striker the best player on the pitch but PSG were head and shoulders above Ancelotti's team”.

L’Équipe

Mbappé saves PSG once again

“PSG spent much of the game battling inside the opponents' area without creating much, and needed a moment of magic from Kylian Mbappé to beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie. The French forward started the move by feeding the ball to  Neymar, who returned it with a perfectly-placed backheel pass. In one, fleeting move he jinked past Militão, lost Vázquez with a dop of his shoulder before firing a low shot inside the post. Solid throughout the whole 90 minutes, Courtois couldn't do anything this time to stop the ball entering”.

World media praises Mbappé: "Dazzling, unstoppable, the best"

Le Parisien

Mbappé, super hero who (once again) saves Paris

“Kylian, Kylian! It has turned into a habit, a very good one at that. However stressful it might be for the public or for those sat in the dug-out, Kylian Mbappé emerged as the hero out on the pitch at Parc des Princes on Tuesday night. As usual, the world champion saved the day for his team yet again and led his team mates to victory”.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Mbappé, the night belonged to the world's No.1

“The sensation that Kylian Mbappé is now the best player in the world is getting stronger. He was also luaded by Carlo Ancelotti: “Right now there is no one at his level in Europe, he was instrumental” (…) Mbappé was unstoppable right from the start of the game, a dazzling player, capable of taking the game by the scruff of its neck all on his own or combining with his team mates”.

Corriere dello Sport

Mbappé, unleashed

“The first leg of this Champions League tie between PSG and Real Madrid ended 1-0 - the home team's clear domination of the game was rewarded right at the end with a pearl from Mbappé. Courtois, the only positive note among the visitors, saved Ancelotti's team as best as he could - even parrying Messi's poorly-struck penalty on 61 minutes. It was a bleak evening for the Argentinean, who allowed his team mate to take centre stage - Mbappé was the best on the pitch by some way. The No.7 lit up the game with his dribbling and jumps, and was finally compensated on 94 minutes, after another delicious move out on the left wing. Benzema and Co, on the other hand, never presented any danger for Donnarumma, who went home with clean gloves. Referee Orsato issued eight yellow cards as he attempted to cool things down when tempers flared - two of those bookings were highly significant - Casemiro and Mendy will sit out the return leg on 9 March”.

The Guardian

Mbappé gives PSG late win over Real Madrid after Messi has penalty saved

“Suddenly there was Kylian Mbappé once again. With 45 seconds left, just when it looked as if victory had evaded a Paris Saint-Germain side that could have won this match a lot earlier and three times over, he delivered the solution that they had sought all night. Dashing between Lucas Vázquez and Éder Militão, leaning one way and then the other, as smooth as he was swift, Mbappé dropped the shoulder and slotted through Thibaut Courtois’ legs. The release was immense at the Parc des Princes, where they could have been forgiven for becoming resigned to this moment never arriving, denied despite their dominance until that last magical moment. It took 22 shots, including a penalty that Lionel Messi had seen saved by Courtois, but at last the hosts had done it. It had been worth the wait and it had to be him: not just the man Real Madrid hope to sign but a footballer of rare gifts and the outstanding player here.”.

The Daily Mail

Mbappé scores brilliant solo goal in the 94th-MINUTE

“Take a bow, Kylian Mbappe. There have been so many crowning glories in the 23-year-old's young career. This has to sit near the top. Ever since UEFA's dodgy computer coughed up such a mouthwatering clash, the spotlight has burned bright. With Mbappe expected to soon tread the well-worn path between new money and old, this was his chance to dazzle current – and future? - employers. And for 93 minutes, Mbappe rose above the noise, above a sea of superstars, to shine. Unfortunately, for 93 minutes, Real Madrid held firm. Dani Carvajal did his best to keep Mbappe out before the defender eventually fouled the Frenchman inside the area. Thibaut Courtois did his best, making several crucial saves at the Parc des Princes. Lionel Messi did his best, too, missing the penalty with half an hour left. But even Madrid's old nemesis could not deny their heir apparent. And so, in the final flash of this first leg, Mbappe skipped between Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez and then, with the slightest deflection, slid a shot between Courtois' legs. The roar of celebration suggested his heart remains in Paris. For now”