Kylian Mbappe's Brace Leads PSG To Champions League Semifinals After Thrilling Victory Over Barcelona

Kylian Mbappe inspires PSG’s thrilling comeback victory over Barcelona, sets up clash with Dortmund in Champions League semis.

Kylian Mbappe netted twice as Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League 2023-24 semifinals with a thrilling 4-1 victory (6-4 on aggregate) over FC Barcelona in the second leg of the quarterfinals on April 17, Wednesday (as per the Indian Standard Time) Olompic Lluis Companys. 

PSG bounced back from a home loss and a two-goal deficit, with Mbappe converting a penalty and adding a late goal to seal their semifinal berth with a 4-1 triumph in the second leg.

PSG Overcome Early Deficit To Secure Thrilling Victory

After a tough start, PSG conceded the opening goal as Raphinha found the net in the 12th minute, putting Barcelona ahead 1-0 and 4-2 on aggregate. However, Ronald Araujo's straight red card reduced Barcelona to ten men for most of the match. Seizing the opportunity, PSG equalized with Ousmane Dembele's goal in the 40th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 and 4-3 on aggregate.

In the second half, PSG capitalized on their numerical advantage to change the course of the match. Vitinha's goal in the 54th minute leveled the aggregate score at 4-4, giving PSG a 2-1 lead in the game. Dembele, facing his former club, earned a penalty for PSG, which Mbappe converted in the 64th minute, extending PSG's lead to 3-1 in the match and 5-4 on aggregate.

Interestingly, Mbappe has now netted more goals against Barcelona in the Champions League than any other team, tallying five goals against them. Only Thomas Muller, with eight goals, boasts a better record against Barcelona in the Champions League.

What Mbappe Said After PSG's Win

"I have the dream of winning the Champions League for Paris. I'm proud to be at PSG since the first day. It's not because there are good times and bad times that my pride takes a hit. The pride of playing for this club, of representing the club of the capital of my country, it's something special for me who grew up there. To experience an evening like this one as a Parisian, it's great. We have one more step to go before we reach the final in Wembley, so we need to stay calm,” said Mbappe after the match, as per GOAL.

PSG Set to Face Dortmund In Semifinals

PSG will now face Dortmund in the UCL 2023-24 semi-finals, with the Bundesliga side also achieving a remarkable comeback by defeating Atletico 5-4 on aggregate. This victory marks Dortmund's first appearance in the semi-finals of the Champions League in 11 years.