Kylian Mbappe instigated a dramatic Champions League comeback on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid and secure first place in Group A.
Madrid dominated the majority of a pulsating contest at the Santiago Bernabeu and looked to have sewn up an impressive victory when Karim Benzema scored his second goal in the 79th minute.
But PSG pulled off an unlikely turnaround as Mbappe capitalised on a defensive mix-up to pull one back in the 81st minute before Pablo Sarabia, once of Real, drove into the top corner second later.
“Real were better for long periods,” said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. “We were lucky but that’s not a crime.”
Gareth Bale, who came on as a substitute to a mixed reception from the home fans, almost won it in injury-time when his bending free-kick struck the post.
The draw means PSG will go through as group winners while Madrid are guaranteed to finish second after Club Brugge drew 1-1 at Galatasaray in the early kick-off.
Madrid’s late capitulation tarnished an excellent display that highlighted their transformation since the 3-0 thrashing at the Parc des Princes in September.
“It was a great performance,” said Zinedine Zidane. “The players are not happy with the result but you have to be happy with what we have done for 80 minutes. I’d take that performance all day long.”
Relief for Real
Eden Hazard’s ankle injury is not as serious as first feared, with Real Madrid confirming on Wednesday he only suffered “bruising” during draw against Paris Saint-Germain.
He is expected to return within two weeks, meaning he should be fit for the first Clasico of the season against Barcelona at Camp Nou on December 18.
“After the tests performed on our player Eden Hazard by the Real Madrid medical services he has been diagnosed with bruising in his right leg,” Real Madrid said in a statement.