Mbappe's late winner gives PSG advantage over Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain pushed and pushed, and Kylian Mbappe finally delivered the killer blow with virtually the last kick of the game.

Mbappe dashed past two defenders and slipped a firm shot past Thibaut Courtois to give PSG a 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the much-anticipated Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

With the away-goals rule abolished, Madrid made little attempt to attack the game and gave way to an onslaught that tested the solidity of their defense. Courtois did his part, saving Lionel Messi’s poor penalty kick in the 62nd minute.

But Mbappe, the most active player on the pitch, eventually found the breakthrough in the 94th minute. Neymar, who came off the bench to make his first appearance since injuring his ankle in November, played a spectacular backheel pass out wide before the Frenchman blew by Lucas Vazquez and Eder Militao, cut into the penalty area, and sent a low shot through Courtois’ legs.

PSG launched wave after wave of attack, largely feeding Mbappe in one-on-one situations. Though Messi led the game with eight of PSG’s 23 shots, his younger teammate posed a far greater threat with the ball, forcing Courtois into a trio of saves before earning the penalty with another one of his trademark runs into the area. But Messi took the spot-kick and fired a feeble attempt to Courtois’ left.

It nearly left the tie goalless, but Madrid must now win the second leg at home on March 9.