French superstar puts substitution controversy behind him with stunning brace as Luis Enrique’s side cruise into Champions League quarter-finals

A few days ago, there was talk that Kylian Mbappe’s PSG career could be over. The disgruntled forward was subbed at half time of the Parisians’ Ligue 1 clash last weekend, while his manager gave little reason to suggest he would be a given starter for weeks to come. But against Real Sociedad, he made an emphatic return, scoring twice and serving as the razor-sharp edge of a humming PSG attack as his side eased their way to a 4-1 aggregate win.

Mbappe showed just how important he is from the first minute, ducking and weaving through the La Real defence, and creating chances in spades. His goal – a fine lashed effort into the bottom corner – felt inevitable and gave the Parisians an advantage less than 20 minutes in.