Just before the game when the stadium presenter announced the PSG lineup, Kylian Mbappe’s name got a loud cheer. Real Madrid fans already consider him one of their own, hence such a warm reception. After the game, a group of fans started chanting “Hacer Libre Mbappe” meaning “Liberate Mbappe”.
Between these two events lies another magical European night at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid produced a comeback for the ages by beating PSG 3-1 in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.
In my match preview, I had mentioned that Santiago Bernabeau would have to rekindle its magic for a Remontada. And my God, they reciprocated it with such passion and energy. Right from the Ciudad to the arrival at Santiago Bernabeu, there was a sea of people in white jerseys. During the match, the supporters kept on motivating the players. Once Karim Benzema scored the opening goal, it was pandemonium.
The atmosphere at the Bernabeu on Wednesday gives Mbappe an idea of what to expect next season
The final 30 minutes showed us exactly why Real Madrid are the kings of Europe and more so why 90 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of a knockout tie could be long and daunting for the opposition.
As Real Madrid started imposing themselves on the game, PSG players were left stunned. Their shoulders and heads dropped. Entire Bernabeu erupted in unison. Kylian Mbappe may have heard from past greats how the atmosphere at the Bernabeu could be nerve-wracking. Today he witnessed it on his own as his current team decimated under pressure.
These magical European nights showed exactly what Kylian Mbappe is missing. A team with character and belief. Players who inherit an unmatched legacy playing at a stadium that demands nothing less than a win.
Kylian Mbappe didn’t succumb to the pressure of the Bernabeu, either
While Bernabeu gave an account of itself to Mbappe, the player himself was not be left behind. If his incredible performance in the first leg was not enough, Mbappe gave another scintillating display of his skills. Every time he picked up the ball the stadium just watched in awe of a player better than most on the pitch. He scored thrice, with two of them whistled offside.
Take Mbappe out of PSG and they would have struggled to even compete in the match. Messi and Neymar are a shadow of their former selves. Even the staunchest Real Madrid fans would admit that they were outplayed for most of the tie. Kylian Mbappe was no match for Dani Carvajal on the right side. Real Madrid in all conceded two legitimate goals, three offside goals, and a penalty to Kylian Mbappe.
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Such performances at the biggest of the stages against their own team prompt Real Madrid fans to want Kylian Mbappe more than ever. The fans cannot wait to see him kiss the club badge. He will form a deadly trio with Benzema and Vinicius that could catapult Real Madrid to zenith once again. As for Kylian, he knows it is now or never for him to join the club of his dreams. He wants it more than ever. The greatest club of all time and its fans are waiting for his arrival. It is time to make it happen.