Paris Saint-Germain held a 1-0 lead when they entered El Bernabeu in Madrid, but they were sent packing by Los Blancos in the round of 16 after Karim Benzema tucked away three goals in the second half. The Real Madrid star came up huge for his club, leading the charge in the 3-1 win that sent PSG crashing out of the competition. The club’s early exit from the Champions League is more significant than some might realize, as it all but confirms that Kylian Mbappe will be leaving over the summer.
Any chance that PSG had of convincing Mbappe to extend his stay in the French capital has just gone by the wayside after their devastating loss to Real Madrid. The fact that they were knocked out by Los Blancos is particularly crippling considering that is well-known to be Mbappe’s desired destination. Paris rejected a reported $200 million offer from Real Madrid for Mbappe’s services this summer, only to go on and get defeated by them in the Champions League Round of 16. Now, they’re set to lose Mbappe on a free transfer, turning no profit for in his departure, and remaining without the coveted Champions League trophy.
Mbappe’s contract with PSG is set to expire in June, at which point he’ll be free to open negotiations with any club, who won’t have to pay the French club a transfer fee for the soon-to-be free agent.