Kylian Mbappe steers PSG to Champions League victory over wasteful Real Sociedad

The French star reminded everyone of his talent

Kylian Mbappe handed Paris Saint-Germain a timely reminder of his elite talent after guiding his team to a2-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 knockout round.

The 25-year-old was handed a start in the front three with his future no closer to being sorted out amid strong links with Real Madrid. But he looked focused as ever on helping the Ligue 1 outfit further their progress in the competition that has so far eluded them.

PSG hadn't lost a game in all competitions since their 2-1 defeat to AC Milan back in November, a run stretching back 16 games. But Real Sociedad went unbeaten in the group stage and would pose a threat with a well-assembled team.

In the early stages, the Basque outfit looked threatening and Japan international Takefusa Kubo twice went close to opening the scoring midway through the first half, narrowly missing the target on both occasions.

Early chances for both sides came and went, with Mbappe denied by Alex Remiro and Andre Silva also going close at the other end.

Mikel Merino was an inch or so away from putting La Real in front just before halftime, striking against the crossbar from 25 yards out, as PSG let out a collective sigh of relief that they were still level.

With little to choose between the two sides in the second half, it would come down to a lapse in concentration rather than a piece of quality to break the deadlock. Ousmane Dembele whipped in an inswinging corner which was met by Marquinhos, and his flick-on found Mbappe — criminally unmarked — to tap home at the far post on 58 minutes.

The Frenchman has now bagged 19 goals in his last 16 games to underline his red-hot form, and he nearly got his second of