Sports Desk, Feb 15 (EFE).- Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola scored in the second half as Paris Saint-Germain beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at home on Wednesday.

Paris Saint Germain’s Danilo Pereira (R) and Real Sociedad’s Andre Silva in action during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 1st leg match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Real Sociedad in Paris, France, 14 February 2024. EFE-EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Sociedad dominated the first half but lacked efficiency, unlike their rivals PSG, who controlled the proceedings after their break to take a big step towards qualifying for the quarterfinals again after three years.

Bradley Barcola (up) of PSG and goalkeeper Alex Remiro of Real Sociedad in action during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 1st leg match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Real Sociedad in Paris, France, 14 February 2024. EFE-EPA/TERESA SUAREZ

Imanol Alguacil’s team, who had not scored in four matches in all competitions before coming into the game, came close to ending their barren run in the very first minute, but Andre Silva’s curled shot went wide.

The visitors left the field frustrated after the breathtaking first half as midfielder Mikel Merino’s powerful long-range drive hit the crossbar just before the break.

Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 58th minute firing high into the net after Marquinhos flicked on a header from a corner.

His ninth goal in his last 10 appearances in the Champions League knockout phase was followed by another shot that deflected off the bar in the 64th minute.

Barcola showed blistering pace to beat the defenders before poking the ball past the goalkeeper to score PSG’s second goal six minutes later.

“We’re happy with the result. We wanted to win at home, that was the objective. Now we have another game to play. Before, we have three in the league. We are happy now, but the job is not done,” Mbappe said after the match.

Sociedad coach Alguacil thanked their luck for not conceding more in the second half.

“In the second half I think we could have paid an even bigger price than 2-0. Therefore I’m happy with only having let in two goals,” he said.

“I think if we can play like we did in the first half today at home, then we will have our opportunities. We will be able to stand up, compete and make it really difficult for Paris.”

Sociedad will host PSG for the second leg on Mar. 5. EFE

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