Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a significant 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday. The win, courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola, puts PSG in a strong position for the quarter-finals.

Despite a lackluster first-half performance at the Parc des Princes, PSG turned the game around in the second half. Mbappe, whose contract with the club is set to expire at the end of the season, broke the deadlock with a close-range goal just before the hour mark. Barcola followed up with a fine goal in the 70th minute, providing the French champions with a comfortable lead ahead of the second leg in Spain next month.

"We scored at important moments. We are happy with this first step. There is still a lot to do but it is good to go there with the advantage," Mbappe told broadcaster Canal Plus.

PSG's captain, Marquinhos, acknowledged the team's initial struggle but praised their improved attitude in the second half. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this mentality and performance in the league to secure their qualification.

The pressure was high for PSG, having been eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League in five of the last seven seasons. An early exit this season would be a significant setback for the Qatar-owned club, particularly as Real Sociedad were participating in their first Champions League knockout tie in 20 years.

Real Sociedad, who arrived in Paris without a goal or win in their last four games and without their injured captain and top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal, posed a significant threat. However, PSG, who debuted 20-year-old Brazilian January signing Lucas Beraldo at left-back, managed to extend their unbeaten run to 16 games since early November.

The away side almost scored before the break, but PSG finally found the net on 58 minutes when Marquinhos flicked on Ousmane Dembele’s corner to the back post for Mbappe to tap in. This was followed by Barcola's first-ever Champions League goal 20 minutes from the end.

Real Sociedad now face a significant challenge when they host PSG in San Sebastian on March 5. However, PSG fans will remain cautious, given the team's history of collapsing at this stage of the competition against teams like Barcelona and Madrid.