Kylian Mbappe lauds PSG’s thrashing of Barcelona, claiming his side ‘won in style’

Kylian Mbappe admitted he was delighted at seeing Paris Saint-Germain take a huge step in reaching the Champions League quarter-finals after a resounding 4-1 win at Barcelona.

Mbappe netted a hat-trick in the famous victory which saw the French champions come from a goal down following a Lionel Messi penalty before taking control of the last-16 tie, with Moise Kean also on the score sheet.

The France international netted in the 32nd, 65th and five minutes from time to ensure that Mauricio Pochettino’s team hold a strong advantage heading into the return leg at the Parc des Princes.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick to land the match ball and the Man of the Match award

The Paris Saint-Germain striker netted a treble in their 4-1 Champions League win at Barcelona

The 22-year-old praised his side’s approach to the victory but insists they can not rest on their laurels ahead of the second leg, especially with Barca previously turning around a 4-0 deficit against PSG at the same stage four years ago. 

‘We are very happy. It was a very important match for us’, Mbappe told RMC Sport. ‘We wanted to come here and win. And we did it in style. Now we have an important match on Sunday in the league (at home against Monaco).

‘Tonight, it is magnificent but we have not won anything yet. I am happy. I always want to give the best of myself. I have not always had that success. But never in my life will I hide.’

Mbappe, who unsurprisingly took the Man of the Match award as well as the match ball following his treble, then turned thoughts towards his future in Paris, insisting he had not plans to move on.

Mbappe’s treble leaves PSG on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals of the competition

Team-mates celebrate with the forward during the stunning win at the Nou Camp

The forward remarked on his side’s effort following an outbreak of Covid-19 in the last month which saw Pochettino as well as Marco Verratti and Abdou Diallo test positive, but insisted his team continue to get better physically.

‘Today, my hard work is paying. We were a little heckled, there was Covid-19. But we are feeling better and better physically,’ he added.

‘It would be stupid to decide my future on a single match. The truth, is that it is about reflecting for the long term. I have always said that I am happy here. This sort of match makes me even happier… The PSG shirt is one that I hold dear to my heart.’ 

Mbappe’s contract expires in the summer of 2022 and he has been linked with a move to Barca’s biggest rivals Real Madrid in the past. 

Mbappe was too hot to handle for Barcelona’s defence including Gerard Pique (above) 

Mbappe is greeted by his manager Mauricio Pochettino during his magnificent display