Kylian Mbappe flatters to deceive as a youthful Barcelona side showed plenty of strength in adversity in coming back to beat Paris St-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Looking to bounce back after a loss to Germany, France labored to a 3-2 win over Chile in a friendly game that produced only a few highlights on Tuesday. France, one of the favorites at the European Championship this summer, looked deprived of a clear attacking plan, was often shaky in defense, and lacked precision and pace in the final third. The individual brilliance of Randal Kolo Muani, who scored a goal and delivered a superb assist for Olivier Giroud, was enough to make the difference after Youssouf Fofana leveled for the hosts.
Germany will want to prove on Tuesday against the Netherlands that their impressive 2-0 triumph in France was no fluke but really a return to former greatness ahead of its hosting of the European championships in summer. "That was exactly the game we've been waiting for. Now we have to follow up on Tuesday," sporting director Rudi Völler said. Coach Julian Nagelsmann said that Germany will be "on the road to the European championship" with another strong performance against the Dutch in Frankfur
“What influence does the president have? On my career today, in 2023, none,” said Kylian Mbappe last year. A lot can change in 12 months. Let this be clear, Mbappe is free to go of his own accord. Paris Saint-Germain are braced for his departure this summer, Real Madrid awaits. He can check out any time he likes. But can he ever leave? Not if Emmanuel Macron has anything to do with it.