Kylian Mbappe struck deep into injury-time to earn Paris Saint-Germain a deserved 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash on Tuesday after Lionel Messi had a penalty saved.
Substitute Neymar made the goal with a backheel and Mbappe slipped the ball under Thibaut Courtois, who had previously looked in unbeatable form.
The Belgium goalkeeper had made several excellent saves including a brilliant stop low to his left to keep out Messi’s penalty just after the hour.
PSG dominated throughout against a Real side who appeared happy to return home to Madrid with a clean sheet knowing that would have them in the driving seat with the away goals rule scrapped.
But they must be much more positive in search of a win in the return on March 9 if they are to end PSG’s dream of a first continental crown.
There will be less tension in Manchester that night as City – also seeking a maiden title in the competition – resume against Sporting leading 5-0.
A devastating first half performance brought goals from Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and two from Bernardo Silva, who was then denied a hat-trick by video review early in the second half.
Raheem Sterling did curl home a brilliant fifth and Pep Guardiola’s runners-up from last season are all but guaranteed their last eight place already.
Red Bull Salzburg v Bayern Munich and Inter Milan v Liverpool are Wednesday with the remaining first legs next week.
Source Daily Sabah