Where was Mbappe's magic when PSG needed him most?

Jules Kounde effectively contained Kylian Mbappe as Barcelona emerged victorious in a thrilling first leg at Parc des Princes.

Expectations were high for a standout performance from Kylian Mbappe in front of his home crowd against a European heavyweight like Barcelona. However, the reality didn't match up as Mbappe struggled to make an impact in PSG's 3-2 defeat.

Instead of Mbappe stealing the spotlight, it was Raphinha who shone brightest for Barcelona. He scored two goals and constantly troubled PSG's defense with his pace and skill, reminiscent of Mbappe's usual style.

Raphinha's contributions gave Barcelona the lead in the first half and later equalized after PSG briefly took the lead. Andreas Christensen's goal from a corner ultimately secured Barcelona's narrow advantage going into the second leg of the tie.

Mbappe finds himself under pressure to produce a standout performance on the road. With his time at PSG drawing to a close, simply clinching another Ligue 1 title doesn't seem like a fitting farewell for a player of his caliber. To truly solidify his legacy in Paris, Mbappe knows he must achieve more and secure significant victories.

Winners and losers as superstar's no-show allows Barcelona and Raphinha to take advantage of dopey Gigi Donnarumma

Winner: Raphinha

Raphinha's time at Barcelona has been somewhat inconsistent, failing to consistently justify his high transfer fee. However, his performance against PSG suggested he may be worth every cent.

He played a crucial role in Barcelona's goals, scoring the first with a composed finish and providing an assist for the second with a precise pass. Throughout the match, he showcased bursts of speed and made important defensive contributions.

Despite uncertainties surrounding his future at the club, particularly due to Barcelona's need to sell players to improve their financial situation, Raphinha's recent impressive form could prove beneficial. It could either increase his market value, allowing Barcelona to secure a solid return on their investment, or unlock his full potential as a winger for the club.

Loser: Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe's legacy at PSG is undoubtedly illustrious, potentially marking him as the club's greatest player ever. However, if he leaves this summer without bringing the Champions League trophy to Paris, one may question the significance of his tenure.

While Mbappe has reached the final before, this season appeared to offer a prime opportunity for success, especially with PSG's favorable draw in the tournament. Despite this, Mbappe failed to seize the moment. He had glimpses of brilliance but overall struggled in crucial moments, displaying poor passing accuracy, hurried shots, and a lack of creativity in one-on-one situations against Jules Kounde, who effectively neutralized him throughout the match.

Although Mbappe's presence often creates space for his teammates, such as Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, to shine, it's in these high-stakes encounters where true superstars are expected to excel, a feat Mbappe fell short of in this instance.
As PSG faces a crucial match in Catalonia, it may serve as Mbappe's final chance to make an impact in the Champions League for the club.

Winner: Jules Kounde

Kounde, despite facing criticism along with other key Barca players for their form this season, showcased an impressive performance. He embraced the challenge of playing against a fellow international teammate and effectively neutralized Mbappe throughout the match, restricting his impact on one of the season's crucial games.

Furthermore, Kounde made valuable contributions in the attacking phase and maintained composure in possession, aiding Barca in initiating promising counter-attacks. While doubts persist regarding his optimal position and consistency over a full season, his display on Wednesday affirmed his reputation as a top-tier defender as anticipated by many.

Winner: Xavi's subs

The initial six months of Xavi's tenure were difficult, with Barcelona struggling to collect points consistently, allowing rivals like Real Madrid and Girona to pull ahead in La Liga. A premature exit from the Copa del Rey and underwhelming European performances led to Xavi announcing his impending resignation.

However, recent weeks have seen a turnaround. Since the announcement of his departure, Barcelona has shown improved fluidity and freedom reminiscent of their title-winning form from the previous season.

This change seems to have benefited Xavi as well. His recent decisions have been spot on, including timely substitutions such as bringing on Pedri, introducing Christensen who scored a crucial goal, and even getting an impactful cameo from Fermin Lopez. In knockout football, such precise decisions can be decisive, making this one of Xavi's standout nights in charge.

Loser: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Gigi's performance was a nightmare indeed. Despite showing improvement in his distribution and ability to command his area under Luis Enrique this season, he showcased his fallibility in this match.

Donnarumma misjudged the initial cross leading to Barcelona's first goal, his poor clearance directly contributing to their second, and he appeared frozen as Christensen headed home the winning goal for the visitors from close range.

While he did manage a couple of neat saves and deserves credit for a timely clearance, his errors will be what this game is remembered for. It's crucial for him to avoid such mishaps in the return leg, particularly if PSG hopes to advance.

Winner: La Masia

While Xavi may face criticism for some of his managerial decisions, his integration of La Masia's top talents into the Barcelona team deserves nothing but praise. Since day one, he has placed trust in youth, starting with Gavi in a prominent role, followed by Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, and most recently, Pau Cubarsi. Consequently, the squad has become considerably younger but brimming with exceptional talent.

In the recent match, Cubarsi excelled, displaying composure at the back and demonstrating superb passing ability. Yamal also made significant contributions, stretching the Parisian defense and playing a crucial role in Barca's first goal, setting a record as the youngest player ever to feature in a Champions League quarter-final. Additionally, Fermin provided important minutes off the bench.

Barcelona's young talents aren't just holding their own; they are surpassing expectations with their performances.