Football

Paris Saint-Germain's stuttering form continued on Sunday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Reims in Ligue 1, despite going 10 points clear at the top of the table.Without Kylian Mbappe in the starting lineup, PSG fell behind to a Marshall Munetsi goal after an error by Achraf Hakimi. However, they rallied back with an own goal from Yunis Abdelhamid and a strike from Goncalo Ramos. Reims equalized on the stroke of half-time through Oumar Diakite.PSG coach Luis Enrique defended his team's performance, saying, "I didn't think the team was too relaxed at any point. I thought their mentality was just right." He added, "We pressed well, we were aggressive. Today we had the chance to go 12 points clear and that is our objective, to win the league as soon as possible and compete in every competition."Despite the draw, PSG remain in a commanding position in the title race, with a 10-point lead over second-placed Brest. However, their recent form has raised concerns, with the reigning champions now winless in three consecutive domestic matches.Mbappe's absence from the starting lineup was notable, as he has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season. Enrique refused to comment on Mbappe's future, saying, "When the different parties comment on it, then I will comment. As long as nobody says anything I will do my job which is to take decisions."In other Ligue 1 action, Monaco moved to within a point of Brest with a 1-0 win at Strasbourg, while Lille reclaimed a place in the top four with a 2-2 draw against Rennes. Marseille continued their resurgence under new coach Jean-Louis Gasset with a 2-0 victory over Nantes.

Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, two of the most prolific strikers in the world, showcased their exceptional abilities in the Champions League Round of 16, leading their respective teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, to victories.Mbappe's brace against Real Sociedad was a testament to his speed, power, and panache. He tormented the Spanish side's defense, leaving them bewildered with his blistering pace and clinical finishing. His first goal was a stunning solo effort, where he left two defenders in his wake before firing a powerful shot into the far corner. His second goal was equally impressive, as he outmuscled a defender and slotted the ball home with ease.Kane's goals against Bayern Munich were equally impressive. The English striker displayed his poacher's instinct, scoring two headers from close range. His first goal came from a Raphael Guerreiro shot that he cleverly redirected into the net. His second goal was a tap-in from a Leroy Sane rebound.Both Mbappe and Kane have been in scintillating form this season, averaging a goal per game for their clubs. Their performances in the Champions League have further cemented their status as world-class strikers.Mbappe's goalscoring prowess has been a key factor in PSG's success this season. The French giants are on course for a domestic treble, having already won the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Mbappe's pace and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders, and he is one of the most feared attackers in the world.Kane has been equally impressive for Bayern Munich. The German champions have struggled for consistency this season, but Kane's goals have kept them in contention for the Bundesliga title. His ability to score goals from all angles makes him a valuable asset to any team.Mbappe and Kane are two of the most exciting young players in the world. Their performances in the Champions League have shown that they are capable of reaching the very top of the game. They are both destined for greatness, and it will be fascinating to see how their careers unfold in the years to come.

Kylian Mbappe's brilliance propelled Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League quarter-finals with a stunning brace in a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad. The French superstar's goals sealed a 4-1 aggregate triumph for the Ligue 1 giants.Despite recent speculation surrounding his future, Mbappe proved his indispensable value to PSG. His electric pace and clinical finishing were too much for Real Sociedad to handle. The 25-year-old opened the scoring in the 15th minute, showcasing his exceptional skill with a clever touch and a powerful shot into the far corner.Mbappe doubled PSG's lead in the 56th minute, racing past the defense and coolly slotting home. His sixth goal in eight Champions League matches this season effectively ended the contest.Real Sociedad fought valiantly but were unable to overcome Mbappe's brilliance. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea had a goal ruled out for offside, while Gianluigi Donnarumma made a superb save to deny Benat Turrientes.Mikel Merino scored a consolation goal for the hosts in the dying minutes, but it was too little, too late. PSG's victory marked their first appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals since 2021.Mbappe's performance was hailed by both his teammates and opponents. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised his "unstoppable" ability in the final third, while Real Sociedad's Merino acknowledged his devastating impact.However, PSG will have to contend with the absence of Achraf Hakimi in the quarter-final first leg due to a booking. Despite this setback, the French champions will be confident of continuing their Champions League journey with Mbappe leading the charge.

Bayern Munich's resurgence under interim manager Thomas Tuchel continued on Tuesday as they secured a 3-0 victory over Lazio in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. The win, which sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph, propelled the German giants into the quarterfinals and reignited their hopes of European glory.Harry Kane, Bayern's talismanic striker, proved to be the difference-maker once again. The England international opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a diving header, canceling out Lazio's first-leg advantage. He then doubled Bayern's lead in the 66th minute, tapping in a rebound after Thomas Mueller's effort had been parried.Mueller had earlier made it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime, heading in a Matthijs de Ligt volley. The German forward's goal proved to be a crucial moment, as it gave Bayern a comfortable cushion going into the second half.Lazio, who were bidding for their first quarter-final appearance in 24 years, struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match. Ciro Immobile's header just before halftime was their best opportunity, but it sailed narrowly wide.Bayern, on the other hand, were relentless in their attack. Jamal Musiala almost added a third goal seconds after Kane's opener, but his sliding shot missed the target. Leroy Sane also came close in the second half, but his shot was palmed into Kane's path for the third goal.The win provides a much-needed boost for Bayern, who had won just one of their last five matches in all competitions prior to Tuesday. It also eases the pressure on Tuchel, who will leave the club at the end of the season.Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain also booked their place in the quarterfinals with a comfortable 2-1 victory away to Real Sociedad. Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show for the French champions, scoring both goals in a match that wrapped up a 4-1 aggregate victory.Mbappe's first goal came in the 15th minute, as he curled a fabulous strike into the far corner. He doubled his tally in the 56th minute, bursting into the box and beating the goalkeeper at his near post.Mikel Merino netted a consolation goal for Real Sociedad in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late to prevent PSG from reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in three years.

Paris Saint-Germain's preparations for their crucial Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Sociedad have been marred by controversy surrounding coach Luis Enrique's handling of star forward Kylian Mbappe.Despite PSG's comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg, Enrique's decision to reduce Mbappe's playing time has raised eyebrows. The French superstar, who has scored 32 goals in 33 games this season, was benched for the game against Nantes and substituted early in the matches against Rennes and Monaco.Enrique's actions have been interpreted as a punishment for Mbappe's decision to leave PSG at the end of the season. The coach has hinted that he is preparing the team to play without Mbappe, who is expected to join Real Madrid.However, critics argue that Enrique's handling of Mbappe is inappropriate and could jeopardize PSG's chances of advancing in the Champions League. Former PSG defender Alain Roche said, "I don't understand. I get the impression that ever since he told the club he was leaving he has been punished by the coach."Mbappe's absence from the starting lineup has been particularly noticeable in PSG's recent matches. The team has struggled to create chances and has failed to win in their last two games.Enrique's decision to experiment with Mbappe's playing time ahead of such an important European fixture has been questioned. PSG have a history of dramatic collapses in Champions League knockout ties, and another exit this time would be disastrous for both the coach and the club.

Kylian Mbappé's impending departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marks a significant turning point for the French club. After a star-studded era featuring Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, and David Beckham, Mbappé's exit as a free agent to Real Madrid will leave a void in the team.Mbappé's decision to leave PSG has been the subject of intense speculation, with French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly intervening to persuade him to stay. However, it appears that Mbappé's mind is set on a new challenge in Spain.PSG manager Luis Enrique has hinted at a possible rebuild, stating that the team will be "better from all perspectives" next season. The club has already made several signings, including Badley Barcola, Lee Kang-in, and Manuel Ugarte, and is reportedly targeting Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford.Mbappé's departure is a blow to PSG's ambitions, but the club has been preparing for this eventuality. The signing of Mbappé on loan in 2017 with a mandatory purchase option was a shrewd move, and the club has since invested heavily in young talent.Mbappé's mother and entourage have reportedly been spotted house hunting in Madrid, further fueling speculation about his move to Real Madrid. PSG initially signed Mbappé on loan, with a mandatory purchase option of 180 million Euros in 2017. Two years ago, a phone call from Macron helped persuade Mbappé to remain in France amid interest from Madrid. He signed a new two-year deal, but then didn't take up the option to extend for an extra year.Mbappé's departure will undoubtedly leave a void in PSG's attack, but the club is confident that it can rebuild and remain competitive. The signings of Barcola, Kang-in, and Ugarte, along with the potential additions of Leao and Rashford, suggest that PSG is determined to maintain its status as a European powerhouse.