PSG - Real Sociedad summary: score, goals & highlights, Champions League
PSG - Real Sociedad: as it happened
That's all, folks!
Let's leave it there. Thanks for joining the coverage of the game.
Joe
Full-time thoughts:
It's almost patronising to call La Real's performance 'a valiant effort from the underdogs' but when PSG have the star talent they do, it certainly counts as praise.
Real Sociedad did not let PSG have their own way and went into the break with the scoreboard level after a strong off-ball approach was coupled with dangerous moments in attack, where they showed why people in Spain have valued them so highly this season.
Midfielder Mikel Merino had the best chance of the first period as he thundered an effort off the crossbar from distance and at half-time, it looked more likely that the visitors would go ahead at some point as a disjointed PSG failed to ignite the crowd.
The break saw no changes in terms of the XIs but the home side came out the stronger of the two, and soon put themselves ahead as the first signs of fatigue began to appear from the blue and white stripes.
Mbappé was on hand to tap in a corner that fell at his feet and Barcola stuck one past Remiro 12 minutes later.
From then on, La Real tried to push and win the ball back, but the pendulum had swung in favour of PSG, who used their superior squad depth to keep things ticking along as away legs grew heavier by the second.
If we take the glass half full perspective from the away side, they went up against one of Europe's deadliest sides and did not look out of place, although the 2-0 lead that the Parisians take to northern Spain will be a huge task to overcome if they want to make it to the quarter-finals.
FULL-TIME!
PSG take a 2-0 lead to San Sebastián after a game which ebbed and flowed from the beginning.
Into the final minute of the game.
The clock ticks on and PSG are controlling possession well in the middle third - the away side can't get a touch.
Traoré is booked for a late challenge on Fabián Ruíz..
PSG have dropped back and are allowed La Real the ball as we move into the four scheduled minutes of added time.
4 added minutes.
Pacheco fires over the bar from close range after getting what he can on Kubo's cross that he flashed across goal. A good chance to cut the deficit.
La Real win a corner...
One more change for La Real:
OFF: Galán
ON: Aramburu
Kubo goes down in the box but I think it's because his legs have no more juice left to run. Kolo Muani breaks forward and drags a low shot well wide from close range in a chance that might have put the tie to bed as well as the game.
Asensio's long-range effort is well stopped by Remiro. PSG are having fun against a Real Sociedad side who appear to have no more left in the tank.
Traoré heads over Mbappé's cross after the forward tries 4 times to twist past Zubledia on the left wing.
PSG make a change:
OFF: Dembélé
ON: Kolo Muani
The ball bounces out of the danger zone close to Donnarumma and lands at the feet of Zubimendi, who strikes in hope more than conviction and watches his effort fly high into the stands.
It's up to the away side here to show some initiative and force PSG into places they don't want to go. For now, the French XI are happy to keep rolling the ball between the defence and midfield.
Play is stopped as Kubo goes down following a clash with Vitinha.
Alguacil's throw of the dice:
OFF: Le Normand, André Silva, Brais Méndez
ON: Pacheco, Sadiq, Turrientes
There's a bit of a scramble in the box as the ball drops and PSG counter. The move looks promising until Le Normand steps across to halt the threat from the ex-Barcelona winger.
Kubo does all he can to wrestle the ball from the PSG defence who just about manage to keep his dancing feet at bay. La Real's defenders come up to attack the incoming corner...
Fifteen minutes to go...
The Real Sociedad midfield are chugging around the pitch as PSG control possession and repeatedly find space on the wings from where they attack.
PSG switch things up:
OFF: Barcola
ON: Asensio
PSG work the ball from right to left in a few passes as the space opens up.
Barcola stabs past Traoré who fails to stick a foot in, catches up with the loose ball inside the box and pokes past Remiro to double PSG's advantage.
We've got 20 minutes to go and the home side are beginning to have things all their own way...
Mbappé goes for goal from distance but his shot never threatens Remiro and sails over.
The away side come forward in what feels like the first time this century but Traoré's low cross from the right is weak and easily dealt with by Marquinhos.
Real Sociedad sub:
OFF: Barrene
ON: Zakharayan
Dembélé is brought down close to the corner flag and PSG have La Real boxed in yet again.
The Frenchman was played in behind and instead of going all the way on foot, he sent a thunderbolt hurtling towards goal that Remiro - it seems - got a fingertip to before it crashed against the crossbar!
MBAPPÉ OFF THE BAR!!!!
Zubimendi - perhaps the smallest player on the pitch - is caught by cameras saying naughty boy words after being the only player back to head away a Dembélé cross from the right.
Back underway and PSG come again; Alguacil's side need to react.
As much as it was a lapse in concentration from La Real, it was pure instinct from Mbappé, who maintained his distance from the pack of players inside the box and was all alone as the ball fell his way.
A lapse in concentration from a corner allows Mbappé to sneak in at the far post and smash home the ball as it's deflected in behind the crowd. Simples.
Traoré is down in the Real Sociedad box and the last thing Alguacil needs is another full-back injury.
A half chance for the hosts as Barcola's touch is too heavy after a nice run into the box. Remiro got off his line and put the fire out.
Wonderful geometrical designs pop up like individual snowflakes as La Real pop the ball around their own half with PSG's shirts chasing them with faces of exasperation.
Hakimi matches Barrene as the winger races down the left wing and sees his cross deflected out for a corner.
Kubo is flicking his cloak of invisibility over his head every time he gets within 2 yards of poorBeraldo, who can't cope with the runs the winger is making on and off the ball. It's a joy to watch Kubo at full speed like this, unless you're Beraldo.
Mbappé's touch is heavy as the ball is sent in behind the Spanish defence and Le Normand makes up the ground and blocks the effort.
PSG come again and Mbappé's weak shot into the ground is caught by Remiro.
Beraldo gives away possession and lets Kubo tear past him down the wing to no challenge. Pereira comes over to cover the gap the winger is attacking and clears the danger away.
A few silly fouls break up the start of the half as late legs are stuck in from the home side, who look tetchy.
No changes from either side, it seems.
Second half underway!
La Real get us going for the second period.
Still waiting on the home side
La Real's team are on the field but we're waiting on the PSG players to emerge, who must be getting some stern words from Luis Enrique...
The fans have played their part!
At the break, it is the blue and white shirts that will be happier than the PSG players, who looked visibly frustrated as they made their way down the tunnel at the Parc de Princes.
La Real's record continues
Alguacil's side are yet to concede in the first 45 of the Champions League this season. The streak continues.
Where are all the goals?
Sofascore have given us the combined xG between this game and Lazio-Bayern, which is also 0-0 at the interval.
No goals at the break...
We've not seen the scoreboard change but we've come close on plenty of occasions.
La Real have shown their class in both areas of the pitch, defending well and watching PSG hit the side netting on the few times they've worked their way forwards.
When they've chosen to attack, they've done so with precision and Merino's attempt that thumped the crossbar was the best of the lot.
Their press has been superb and they've done well to separate PSG's attack from the rest of the side, with Mbappé's wristwatch registering plenty of steps covered at walking pace, and not many at top speed.
HALF-TIME!
No added time in the French capital as the Spanish side head to the tunnel the happier of the two.
The Spaniard saw a yard of space on the edge of the box, drew his left foot back and set a Saturn V rocket flying towards goal that slammed against Donnarumma's crossbar!
MERINO HITS THE CROSSBAR
PSG are finishing the half as the weaker team; Real Sociedad have them pinned back and the forwards feel five lightyears away from the rest of the team.
Pereira does superbly well to go to ground the clear away a delicious Kubo cross from the right, who sent that ball spinning towards goal with all the necessary whip and fury.
Kubo's corner forces Donnarumma to fly out of his goal and Superman punch the ball away from the danger zone.
Five to go and both teams seem to have each other pretty well matched. It's been a battle for possession in midfield over the past few minutes, with neither side coming out on top.
Barcola sends in a whipped cross from the left but the idea is rushed and Remiro collects easily.
The midfielder is back on his feet but will need to go off the pitch before returning.
Merino is down and receiving treatment.
Yellow card number one goes to... Le Normand, who trips over Dembélé.
Hakimi hits a shot towards the crowded box that deflects upwards and hits Barcola on the head, who manages to direct the effort towards goal. It loops over the bar.
Remiro plays it safe and palms the in-swinging corner behind his goal.
Le Normand does superbly well to race over to the right and cut Mbappé off twice in 30 seconds as the Frenchman wormed his way into the box from the left wing.
PSG are still struggling in buildup moments and are not finding it easy to locate Fabián and Vitinha in the centre of the pitch. La Real have all the spaces covered as they roll the ball around the back line.
The clocks ticks towards 30 and there is still no clear favourite for this game based on what chances we've seen.
La Real work well from left to right and Kubo switches towards Barrene back over the other side. Unfortunately for him, the ball squirms under his foot and rolls out for a PSG throw.
There is a sense of frustration from PSG's back line as they try to play out from their defensive third.
Real Sociedad's players are giving them nothing and Marquinhos is especially annoyed at his lack of options.
And from nowhere, PSG can do that. Dembélé was sent chasing a ball aimed at nothing, but he managed to catch it and fire a rocket into the outside of Remiro's goal at the near post.
DEMBÉLÉ INTO THE SIDE NETTING
PSG, despite the fact they're wobbling like a jelly on a kangaroo's back, still have the quality to do damage. The ball is aimlessly sent forward and lands at the feet of Mbappé, who sends the Real Sociedad defenders scrambling back on the edge of the box. He plays left to Barcola, but the touch is poor from the winger and the ball rolls out.
Take Kubo went 1vs1 with Danilo Pereira down the right wing. He feinted right then left and sent a cross towards the penalty spot, where Silva made contact and sent a bullet header skimming the front post!
ANDRÉ SILVA HEADS JUST WIDE
PSG defend Brais' poor ball with ease.
La Real have a free-kick around 40 yards out, to the right...
We're 20 minutes in and I'd say we've seen 10 strong minutes from each side. It's certainly the away team who are on the front foot as things stand, but PSG's counter-attacks are mighty.
The Japanese winger tried to go all the way on his own, darting inwards from the right past Vitinha before sending a low drive back towards the front post, which hit the side netting. Real Sociedad have come back into the tie...
KUBO FIRES WIDE
The free-kick from halfway is sent deep by Brais and met at the far post where it's played across goal and inexplicably sent over the bar by Merino, who was just a few yards from goal.
MERINO OVER THE BAR
Kubo wins a free-kick and gives his side some room to breathe. Imanol Alguacil takes the opportunity to get some very shouty messages over to his players from the sideline.
A misunderstanding between Dembélé and Hakimi sees the winger play a pass out of play down the line. He thought, after he had skinned Javi Galán, that the full-back would overlap.
A chance wasted as La Real were at sixes and sevens at the back, and looking nervous.
Luis Enrique's side are doing well to keep the ball despite the high press employed by their opponents. I wonder how long Real Sociedad can keep up this energetic style of defending.
Ten gone and it's been PSG with the best of the early chances but I'd say they're far from comfortable, especially at the back, where La Real continue to squeeze them tightly.
Barrene steps in perfectly well inside his own box to steal the ball from Dembélé, who had found space down the right after a nice switch of play from Mbappé. Another good chance created by PSG.
Mbappé was sent racing down the right channel after a high turnover from the French club and he hit a shot low and hard across goal that was well stopped by Remiro.
HUGE SAVE FROM REMIRO
After a shaky start, PSG seem to have settled and are controlling the ball...
Fabián tries his luck from distance as a failed clearance from the away team lands kindly at his feet. The ball is sent hurtling towards goal but sails well over Remiro's crossbar.
PSG get their first chance to come forward but a mix up between Barcola and Mbappé allows Zubeldia to clear as the pair arrive at the Spanish box.
The press from La Real is causing PSG all sorts of problems at the back as they can't breathe in possession. It's blue and white stripes everywhere...
It's a lightning fast start from the away side and André Silva drives forward before smashing an effort wide from range!
CHANCE FOR REAL SOCIEDAD
And we're off!
The home side get us going!
The Chaaaaaaaampiooooonsss!!!
The famous anthem rings around the Parisian ground and the nerves can certainly be felt now!
Here come the players!
And the huge noise from the PSG fans, who have held up a massive club badge mosaic.
The players are in the tunnel!
Mbappé has his serious face on as the 22 players take their places in the tunnel. We're seconds away from seeing them on the pitch.
We've still got a light show...
We've got a light show!
As seems to have become the thing ahead of big games, we've got a light show at the Parc de Princes. Delightful.
The Sofascore boffins are at it again...
The lab-coated scientists in Sofascore Towers have put together this snazzy graphic that shows the tactical lineups of the two teams on show tonight.
The warmups are over!
Here's how PSG got things rolling ahead of kick-off, although now they've shot down the tunnel for the pre-game team talk!
Remiro has the best record in the competition
The Spanish goalkeeper has only let two goals past him in the entirety of the UEFA Champions League this season, which is the best record of any team in the tournament.
PSG's wobbly goals record:
PSG have not scored anywhere near the amount of goals we've been used to at this stage of Europe's elite competition, with the side hitting their lowest total in years.
Here's how things have looked over the past 6 seasons.
2018-19: 17 goals
2019-20: 17 goals
2020-21: 13 goals
2021-22: 13 goals
2022-23: 16 goals
2023-24: 9 goals
A reminder of the starting XIs:
If you've just joined us, welcome!
Here is how the two teams line up tonight:
PSG:
GK: Donnarumma
DEF: Hakimi - Pareira - Marquinhos - Beraldo
MID: Zaïre-Emery - Fabián - Vitinha
ATT: Dembélé - Mbappé - Barcola
REAL SOCIEDAD:
GK: Remiro
DEF: Traoré - Zubeldia - Le Normand - Javi Galán
MID: Merino - Méndez - Zubimendi
ATT: Barrene - André Silva - Take Kubo
What a noise from the fans!
PSG's players have just stepped out onto the pitch to a huge noise from the expectant fans who are packing out all four sides of the ground!
But there are 2,000 Real Sociedad fans present today, who are also making their voices heard!
Real Sociedad's recent run
While it's true that La Real's recent form has not been their usual, top-tier football form, they are still no teddy bears and have the capacity to damage just about anyone in Europe.
Their recent games, however, have highlighted a potential problem in front of the opponent's goal, as they've failed to find the back of the net in their last 5 fixtures.
Have your say!
Ahead of kick-off, don't forget to choose your winner and drop us your score prediction below!
Juan Manuel Serrano Arce
In focus: Take Kubo
Take Kubo - remember him? Yes, the Japanese winger is La Real’s star on the pitch and has finally found his feet after signing for Real Madrid in 2019 and never making an appearance.
The winger recently signed a new deal with the txuri urdin and has cemented his place in this side that continues to astonish with their free-flowing football.
Luis Enrique pre-game highlights:
It's very simple; we'll need to rob them of the ball as soon as possible and then try not to lose it. Real Sociedad are among the teams that have conceded the fewest goals so far in the competition.
They don't make things easy for their opponents, and they press aggressively. They're one of the best teams in the competition, having made it out of a group that had one of last season's finalists in it, and they obviously play at a very high standard. Are we the favourites or the underdogs? We'll need to answer that on the pitch.
Imanol is a great manager. He's at home there and has an interesting philosophy. Real Sociedad's academy produces countless players, and the club does sensible transfer business.
I think that when a team has a player of Kylian Mbappé's calibre, they need to understand that the more he plays, the better it is for them. He could've played four days ago, but it was an unnecessary risk. He's now available for selection.
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We’ve got more UCL action over on the other channel as Will is taking control of Lazio vs Bayern Munich, which promises to be tasty.
Can Harry Kane's Bayern bounce back from an embarrassing Bundesliga loss? Let's see...
Brais Méndez pre-game:
It's a big ground, it will be a special night.
We have to stick to our idea, to our philosophy.
They have great players: Mbappé, Asensio, Kolo Muani...
We don't have to think about the return leg for now, we just have to focus on winning tonight. Our idea is to win.
And here's the confirmation of the lineup:
The PSG social media team were a little late with the tweet, but the lineup is the same as we've already seen.
Mbappé starts up top with Dembélé on one side and Barcola on the other in a frightening front three that will certainly make the Spanish defence work.
PSG STARTING XI:
GK: Donnarumma
DEF: Hakimi - Marquinhos - Pereira - Beraldo
MID: Zaïre-Emery - Fabián - Vitinha
ATT: Dembélé - Mbappé - Barcola
How the group went for Real Sociedad...
La Real, as they’re known, have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in Spain - and Europe - this season.
Led by Imanol Alguacil, the side from San Sebastián have played scintillating football since the campaign began and whizzed their way to the top of Group D in the Champions League, overcoming Inter, Benfica and RB Salzburg.
They got 3 wins and 3 draws, were the top scorers with 7 and conceded just 2 with their swashbuckling style of play.
| group F | T | MP | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
REAL SOCIEDAD XI:
It's a strong side from manager Imanol Alguacil as he names Remiro in goal ahead of Javi Galán, Le Normand, Zubeldia and Traoré.
Merino, Zubimendi, Brais and Barrene make up the midfield with André Silva and Take Kubo up top.
The away side arrive at the stadium
The txuri-urdin have arrived at the Parc de Princes ahead of kick-off and we should have the team news shortly.
Here’s all the information you need to know on how to watch the Parisians take on the LaLiga side at Parc des Princes.
Lucas Hernández:
I think when you're out on the pitch and you hear all the fans cheering you on and getting behind you, it makes you want to keep going. And it's true that we need them, especially at the moment, with so many important matches coming up.
I came to PSG to give everything, to win over all those Parisian fans who had a little doubt and really see that I'm here to give my all for this club. That's why I'm here. I'm a competitor and I'm here to win.
I have a very good relationship with coach Luis Enrique, especially as I speak fluent Spanish. We get on really well. He gives a lot of advice. Tactically, he's a great coach. He helps me to progress.
The stadium is ready
The inky blue sky spread out over the Parisian stadium gives the setting a perfect, almost 'typical' Champions League feel to the evening, and certainly makes the grass seem even shinier.
How things went for PSG...
Group F was quickly labelled the ‘Group of Death’ as the teams came out in the draw. The French side were put alongside Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle in a first round that promised a lot of excitement and duly delivered.
The Parisians won 2, drew 2 and lost 2, coming out second in their group with 8 points, a place behind the Black & Yellow, who got three points more.
| group F | T | MP | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Real Sociedad to wear their home kit
The Spanish side are wearing their home strip tonight for the tie, which is the classic blue and white stripes. No volt yellow or sea green on show. Lovely.
Fran Santiago / Getty Images
Who's the ref?
Marco Guida is the official in charge of the game tonight.
The 42-year-old Italian is a Serie A regular and has overseen close to 150 games in the top division of his home country. He was also in charge of the now infamous game between Antwerp and Barcelona earlier in the season, a crazy affair which ended in a 3-2 loss for the Catalans.
Team news: Real Sociedad
The big doubt for Imanol Alguacil and his staff has been the fitness of left-sided forward Mikel Oyarzabal.
The winger has been in a process of recovery from a knee injury, but managed to train as normal ahead of the game.
Full-backs Tierney, Odriozola and Aihen will all miss out, as will centre-back Elustondo. Strikers Becker and Carlos Fernández are also unfit and unavailable.
Team news: PSG
Luis Enrique has a few defensive casualties as he is without bothPresnel Kimpembe and Milan Skriniar for the game tonight.
Welcome!
Hello and a warm welcome from the French capital where we have another scrumptious Champions League fixture for you today.
PSG are the hosts and they welcome LaLiga high flyers Real Sociedad to the Parc de Princes for this knockout game.
It’s Joe here to guide you through all the action as it unfolds, which should start in around an hour.