Kylian Mbappe reportedly sparked a brawl in the tunnel after PSG’s Champions League win with provocative comments that enraged Barcelona players.
♦ PSG beat Barcelona 4-1 in Spain
♦ Several players engage in tunnel brawl after match
♦ Almost 60 people involved in heated altercation
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe, who had a relatively subdued performance in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, emerged as the hero in the return fixture with a brace that fired his team to a 4-1 win. Despite an early lead for Barcelona through Raphinha’s goal, the tie was levelled 4-4 on aggregate after goals from Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha. However, Mbappe seized the moment, converting a crucial penalty past Marc-Andre ter Stegen and adding the final blow with an 89th-minute strike that ultimately sealed PSG’s victory with a 6-4 aggregate scoreline, ending Barcelona’s Champions League campaign.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Following the victory, things allegedly got out of control in Spain. Reports from Mundo Deportivo revealed an altercation in the tunnel involving Mbappe and Barcelona players after the French star made a provocative comment in Spanish.
“This is football and it’s on the pitch where you have to talk,” the Frenchman reportedly shouted as he entered the dressing room.
Barcelona players became furious after hearing his comment and a confrontation quickly escalated into a tumultuous scene involving over 60 individuals, comprising players, coaching staff, and security personnel. Despite the intense verbal exchange, there was no reported physical damage or injury to anyone.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mbappe reportedly also provoked Barcelona fans as well following the match. A clip has gone viral where he is seen shouting “Let’s Go!” in French after the final whistle with his chants directed towards Barcelona fans who were nearby. This enraged the supporters but Mbappe did not pay any heed and walked away towards President Nasser Al-Khelaifi to hug the PSG supremo after a historic result in Spain.
WHAT NEXT?
Tempers flaring between Mbappe and Barcelona seems to be a prelude to his much-anticipated move to Real Madrid, as a free agent in the summer. Before then, the French forward is still on course to meet his potential future employers in the Champions League final as Real Madrid joined PSG in the semi-finals by knocking out Manchester City.