He entered in the 57th minute, to the ovation of the Parc des Princes. Too fair to play the entire round of 16 first leg for his return from injury, Kylian Mbappé played the role of very luxurious substitute in this round of 16 first leg of the Champions League between PSG and Bayern Munich. And if he could not allow his team, which had conceded the opener four minutes before their first steps on the pitch, not to lose (0-1), the 2018 world champion scored the Bavarians with a view to returning in three weeks.
“We first felt that when he entered, there was euphoria in the stadium. Kylian has incredible qualities, belongs to the best players in the world, underlines his former Parisian partner, now in Bavarian colors, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting at the microphone of Prime Video. He is very fast. He was immediately dangerous. »
The Parisian star scored two goals, both ultimately disallowed for offside, and above all disturbed Bayern Munich with his speed and ability to go deep. Where Neymar and Lionel Messi, his attacking partners, have been much more static.
“When Mbappé entered, there was a change of atmosphere in the stadium, it woke up the other players, describes the German coach, Julian Nagelsmann. We had to put more pressure, defend more also. Twice we didn’t do it very well, but luckily there were offsides. “We know he is in another category,” agrees Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.
“PSG is better with Mbappé”
And that his players risk, except for a relapse or a new injury, to meet an even more legged Mbappé in three weeks for the return match in Bavaria at the Allianz Arena. A stadium where the striker had scored twice in the quarter-final first leg won by the Parisians (2-3) in April 2021. What influence the Bavarian tactical choices?
“PSG with Mbappé is always better than without Mbappé. Compared to the return match, I will not tell you everything, otherwise our opponent will no longer work, answered Nagelsmann. “We are going to analyze and I think we will have some good ideas. »
“We are not at all downcast, believes for his part the person concerned. We lost 1-0, it’s not a favorable score, but we still have every chance to qualify. Especially if he starts the game.