The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Sociedad during the 2023-2024 season was a highly anticipated matchup. PSG, with their wealth of talent and attacking power, took on Real Sociedad, who brought a balanced mix of creativity and resilience.
In what was a gripping two-legged tie, PSG ultimately triumphed with a 4-1 aggregate score, but Real Sociedad made their opponents work for it. Let’s delve into the key statistics and individual performances from this clash of titans.
Aggregate Score and Match Overview
Aggregate Score: PSG 4-1 Real Sociedad
First Leg: PSG 2-0 Real Sociedad
Second Leg: Real Sociedad 1-2 PSG
The tie was an exciting contest that displayed both teams’ strengths. In the first leg, PSG asserted dominance, securing a 2-0 win at the Parc des Princes. The second leg, played at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián, saw a more determined Real Sociedad side, but PSG maintained their advantage with a 2-1 victory, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Key Performance Indicators
Possession
PSG, with their possession-based style of play, naturally dominated possession throughout the two-legged tie.
On average, PSG held around 60-65% of the ball in both matches, with their intricate passing and ball retention methods frustrating Real Sociedad. In contrast, Real Sociedad were comfortable with less possession, sitting around 35-40%.
However, they made effective use of this limited ball time, looking to exploit PSG’s defensive gaps on the counter.
While PSG were the more dominant side, Real Sociedad’s ability to disrupt their flow and capitalize on turnovers showed the potential danger they presented, particularly when attacking on the break. Real Sociedad’s defensive resilience was particularly evident in the second leg when they limited PSG’s chances to a degree.
Shots on Target
PSG outshot Real Sociedad significantly over the two legs. In the first leg, PSG had 8 shots on target, while Real Sociedad managed just 3. In the second leg, PSG registered 7 shots on target compared to Real Sociedad’s 4.
While PSG’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar Jr., and Lionel Messi generated a barrage of opportunities, Real Sociedad’s defensive unit, led by the likes of Aritz Elustondo and Robin Le Normand, did a solid job of limiting high-quality chances in the second leg.
Despite this, PSG’s clinical finishing in both legs proved to be the difference, with the attacking trio capitalizing on key opportunities, while Real Sociedad struggled to convert their chances in crucial moments.
Passing Accuracy
PSG’s passing accuracy was another important statistic in the tie. In both legs, they boasted a passing accuracy rate of over 85%, reflecting their ability to dominate possession and control the game’s tempo.
Their midfield, led by Marco Verratti and Vitinha, was crucial in maintaining fluid passing and dictating the flow of the match.
Real Sociedad, while less focused on possession, maintained a decent passing accuracy, averaging around 75-80%.
Their style was more direct, using the ball efficiently in transitions and counter-attacks. Mikel Merino and David Silva were key in orchestrating these quick breaks, but PSG’s pressure often forced them to make hurried passes.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, PSG’s backline, led by Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos, was solid but not impenetrable. They conceded only one goal over the two legs, with Real Sociedad’s only goal coming from Alexander Sørloth in the second leg. PSG’s defense showed their class, limiting Real Sociedad to few clear-cut opportunities, especially in the first leg.
For Real Sociedad, goalkeeper Alex Remiro was a standout performer, making several crucial saves across both legs.
His reflexes and positioning kept his team in the game, particularly in the first leg, where he denied Messi and Mbappé on multiple occasions. Despite this, Real Sociedad’s defense could not fully contain PSG’s attacking threats, with the likes of Mbappé and Messi combining brilliantly to break through their lines.
Individual Performances
Kylian Mbappé (PSG)
Mbappé was a standout player throughout the tie, contributing with both goals and assists. In the first leg, he scored a sublime goal, and in the second leg, he was involved in both of PSG’s strikes. His pace and finishing were too much for Real Sociedad’s defense to handle. Mbappé’s electric speed on the counter-attack put immense pressure on the Sociedad backline, creating space for himself and his teammates.
Lionel Messi (PSG)
Messi’s experience and creativity played a pivotal role in PSG’s dominance. His passing range and vision allowed him to unlock Real Sociedad’s defense time and again. In the first leg, he was instrumental in the build-up to both goals, showcasing his ability to orchestrate play from deeper positions. Messi’s playmaking brilliance, combined with his vision, allowed PSG to penetrate Sociedad’s defensive setup.
Neymar Jr. (PSG)
Neymar’s flair and dribbling ability were key to creating openings in the tie. His close control and ability to dribble past defenders made him a constant threat, forcing Real Sociedad’s defenders to commit fouls in dangerous areas. Neymar’s assist in the second leg, where he set up Mbappé’s goal, was a testament to his vision and creativity.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Oyarzabal was the brightest star for Real Sociedad throughout the tie. The Spanish winger’s dribbling, vision, and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box made him a key player for Sociedad. Though he couldn’t find the back of the net, his movement and technical ability were pivotal in stretching PSG’s defense. Oyarzabal’s direct runs caused problems for PSG’s defenders and allowed Real Sociedad to pose a threat in wide areas.
David Silva (Real Sociedad)
The veteran playmaker, Silva, displayed his creativity and intelligence throughout the tie. Silva’s ability to pick out runners and link play between midfield and attack was crucial for Real Sociedad. Though he did not register any goals or assists, his movement and passing were integral to Sociedad’s buildup play, particularly when they looked to launch counter-attacks.
Wrapping Up
The two-legged tie between PSG and Real Sociedad showcased the difference in resources and quality between the two teams. PSG’s star-studded lineup, including Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar, was simply too much for Real Sociedad to handle, despite their resilience and tactical discipline.
While Real Sociedad fought valiantly, particularly in the second leg, they could not break down PSG’s defense consistently or convert enough chances. PSG’s ability to control possession, along with their clinical attacking players, ultimately proved to be the deciding factor.
Looking ahead, PSG will be confident as they progress in the Champions League, with their attacking trio showing no signs of slowing down. For Real Sociedad, the tie served as a learning experience, and they will be hoping to build on their performance in future European campaigns.
As always, for the latest stats and analysis, reliable sources like UEFA’s official website or sports databases like WhoScored and FotMob provide up-to-date figures and insights.
FAQs on PSG vs Real Sociedad Stats (February 14, 2024)
Q: What was the final score of the PSG vs Real Sociedad match on February 14, 2024?
A: PSG won the match 2-0 against Real Sociedad. The match was part of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, and Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola scored the goals for PSG.
Q: What were the key stats from PSG vs Real Sociedad?
A: Some of the significant stats include:
PSG dominated possession with 64%, compared to Real Sociedad’s 36%.
PSG had 14 shots, with 6 on target, while Real Sociedad managed 8 shots, but none were on target.
Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable form, scoring for the 10th consecutive home match in the Champions League.
Q: Who were the standout players in PSG’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad?
A: Kylian Mbappé was once again a key player, not only scoring but being involved in numerous attacking moves. Bradley Barcola also had a significant contribution, scoring the second goal. Additionally, PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept a clean sheet, playing a crucial role in the team’s defensive solidity.
Q: Did any Real Sociedad players stand out despite the loss?
A: Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Álex Remiro made several crucial saves, despite conceding two goals. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi played a central role, creating opportunities, and defensively, Robin Le Normand and Igor Zubeldía had notable performances.
Q: How did the two teams compare in terms of possession and attack?
A: PSG controlled the ball with 64% possession, maintaining a more attacking stance throughout the match. Real Sociedad had 36% possession but struggled to generate effective chances, managing only 8 shots with none on target.
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