Kylian Mbappé, a player for Paris Saint-Germain, stated that he would feel immense pride if he finally helps the French club win its first title in the UEFA Champions League, after scoring two goals to lead his team to a 4-1 victory against Barcelona and advance to the semi-finals. PSG turned a 3-2 deficit from the first leg into a 6-4 aggregate victory, reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since the 2020-2021 season.
Mbappé, who is set to leave PSG this summer amid speculation that Real Madrid could be his next destination, told journalists that his future does not concern him and that all his focus is currently on achieving glory for the French team. He said on Tuesday, "I dream of winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain." He added, "I take pride in being at Paris Saint-Germain from day one. It is not just about the sweet and bitter times I’ve spent here. I feel proud to represent this club that defends the colors of the French capital. This has a special flavor because I grew up here. Happiness overwhelms me tonight. We have one more step before reaching the final at Wembley, so we need to stay calm."
Paris Saint-Germain will face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals, after the German team eliminated Atlético Madrid 5-4 on aggregate. Barcelona took the lead just 12 minutes after kick-off through Brazilian Raphinha, who danced around PSG's defense on the right side and delivered a perfect pass to the Brazilian who slotted the ball home.
However, PSG capitalized on the sending-off of the hosts' defender Ronald Araújo in the 29th minute after a foul on Parkour, who was in a clear goal-scoring position. Former Barcelona player Ousmane Dembélé managed to equalize for PSG five minutes before the end of the first half after a brilliant low cross from Parkour.
PSG continued to apply pressure in the second half until Vitinha put the visitors ahead in the 54th minute. The goal came from a corner taken by Dembélé aimed at Achraf Hakimi, who passed the ball to the unmarked Vitinha outside the box, who unleashed a shot from distance that found the back of the net.
The pressure from PSG did not relent until they earned a penalty in the 61st minute after João Cancelo fouled Dembélé, which Mbappé successfully converted into the top corner. While Barcelona attempted to score to push the match into extra time, Mbappé seized on a counter-attack to score from close range just a minute before the end of regular time, securing his team's place in the semi-finals against Borussia Dortmund.
Mbappé said, "We have won against a great team tonight. But even if we had lost, I would be proud to be a Parisian. The happiness is overwhelming to win against a rival we were eager to overcome to take a step towards the final. We dedicate this victory to the fans who came here to support us and also to the supporters in our country. It is a night we should be proud of."
