Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-11 11:39:31
Kylian Mbappe is widely known as a player who rises to the occasion during big games. However, in a surprising turn of events, the France superstar failed to make an impact as Paris Saint-Germain suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha scored PSG’s goals, leaving them with a tough task ahead in the second leg.
In order to turn things around and secure a spot in the semi-finals, PSG will need Mbappe to be at his best in the upcoming match. Despite his usual exceptional performances, Mbappe appeared “invisible” in the match against Barcelona, managing just three attempts on goal that failed to trouble the opposition’s goalkeeper. This led to questions about his effectiveness on the pitch and possible reasons for PSG’s defeat.
Criticism has been directed towards PSG coach Luis Enrique for his choice of tactics and player selections. Some have questioned his handling of Mbappe, who has seen limited playing time in recent weeks. However, others, like former player turned pundit Samir Nasri, believe that Mbappe’s lack of interest and sharpness were the main reasons for his underwhelming performance. Nevertheless, credit must also be given to the Barcelona defense, which effectively neutralized Mbappe throughout the game.
Despite his disappointing performance, Mbappe’s track record speaks for itself in terms of delivering in crucial moments. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent with remarkable goals in important matches, including previous encounters with Spanish teams like Real Sociedad and Barcelona. With Mbappe likely set to leave PSG at the end of the season, the pressure is on for him to produce a standout performance in the second leg against Barcelona.
Champions League success has eluded Mbappe during his time at PSG, with the closest he came being their defeat in the 2020 final against Bayern Munich. However, his past achievements, such as a hat-trick in the World Cup final and impressive performances in key matches, demonstrate his ability to excel when it matters most. As PSG prepares for the second leg against Barcelona, all eyes will be on Mbappe to lead his team to a comeback and continue his legacy as a top player in world football.
