Real Madrid completed a sensational second-half comeback against PSG to qualify for the quarter finals of the Champions League. Here are the three talking points from their 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mbappe overshadowed as Karim Benzema shines yet again
In the first half, Kylian Mbappe was the most dangerous player on the pitch. He doubled his side’s lead on aggregate, scoring a remarkable effort on the counter attack. PSG could’ve had more to their name, but two of Mbappes’s goals were ruled out for offside.
The second half saw Karim Benzema steal the spotlight from the talented youngster with his hat-trick.
Real Madrid’s number 9 has been their best player for the last few years, and was the star of the comeback for them. He was extremely clinical, and pounced on the mistakes that came up in the game, scoring three goals to turn around the deficit. With his hat-trick, Benzema has now moved past the legendary Alfredo di Stefano as the third-highest goalscorer of all-time in Real Madrid history.
Karim Benzema deserves all the respect he gets. Man's been carrying this #RealMadrid team since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.
— Nuel😎 (@Olu_Abiodun01) March 9, 2022
What A Performance!🔥🔥🤯#PSGRMA #RealMadridPSG #Mbappe pic.twitter.com/xfN2HiFiuG
Was that a foul?
Karim Benzema forced an error from Gianluigi Donnarumma to score the first goal for Madrid. And, his effort to pounce on the Italian probably should’ve been counted as a foul.
But, the goal stood, and Mauricio Pochettino, as well as PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi were visibly upset about the decision. The goal proved to be the turning point in the game, providing Real Madrid with the hope they needed to complete the comeback.
Real Madrid showcase their elite mentality
PSG were dominating things in the first half, and Real Madrid looked out of it early on in the game. But, their winning mentality was on full display during the second half. Los Blancos didn’t accept defeat, and forced errors from their opponents to score.
PSG, on the other hand, crumbled under the pressure when the 13-time champions came knocking for more. This, ultimately, proved to be the difference maker in the intense encounter between the two top sides.
