Big absent from the semi-final return of C1 last season, due to a calf injury, Mbappé had watched his teammates from the stands lose 2-0, after having already lost 2-1 in the first leg and losing their dream of two consecutive finals.

But Wednesday, for his 50th match on the most beautiful European stage, he was the most active and the sharpest of a triplet "MNM" almost invisible in the first half and a little clumsy in the second.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé wrestles with Manchester City defender Kyle Walker during their Champions League group match on November 24, 2021 at the Etihad Stadium Paul ELLIS AFP

He even came close to offering PSG a resounding feat.

At the very start of the second half, he found himself at the conclusion of a nice Parisian counter and a slightly deflected cross from Lionel Messi to find the small space between Ederson's legs and open the scoring (0- 1, 50e).

Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé opens the scoring against Manchester City in their Champions League group match on November 24, 2021 at the Etihad Stadium Paul ELLIS AFP

Already just before the break, perfectly served in an interval by Neymar, the third thief of the attack, he presented himself in a good position in front of the goal, but his flat foot "à la Thierry Henry" had flown widely above (44th).

Its goal looked like a hold-up, but with "Kyky", "Ney" and "Leo", its three chief robbers, Paris SG has made a specialty of not necessarily deserved victories.

The Etihad had already been the cradle of his first European exploits, when the football world marveled at his game with speed, instinct and recklessness.

Monegasque striker Kylian Mbappé scores the second goal against Manchester City, in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League, on February 21, 2017 at the Etihad Stadium Oli SCARFF AFP / Archives

In 2017, he scored the 2-1 goal for Monaco in a round of 16 first leg losing 5-3.

Tailored for big events

This goal, his very first in the most prestigious competition in Europe, had also proved decisive, since ASM had gone to the benefit of away goals after winning the return 3-1, with a Mbappé's new goal.

In 2019, he also scored the 2-0 goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford, in the round of 16 first leg.

Monegasque striker Kylian Mbappé scores the second goal against Manchester United, in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League, on February 12, 2019 at Old Trafford Stadium FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives

An advantage which, this time, was not enough for the return with the controversial penalty converted in the very last moments by Marcus Rashord (1-3).

In any case, he once again confirmed that he was a player cut out for the big meetings which motivate him like never before.

Last season, he scored 4 goals for Barcelona, ​​including a hat-trick at Camp Nou and a brace in Munich in the quarter-final first leg against Bayern.

The joy of Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé after scoring against FC Barcelona in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League on February 16, 2021 at Camp Nou LLUIS GENE AFP / Archives

While his future remains uncertain, even though an end-of-contract departure from Paris seems increasingly likely this summer as the weeks go by, he consistently shows himself in his best light when the level of adversity s 'student.

If Real Madrid leaves with a large lead in his heart, we saw him come and hit Pep Guardiola on the occasion of a stoppage of play in the middle of a match.

A sign of connivance between greats to which Mbappé has belonged for a while and which Paris SG hopes to be able to enjoy for at least a few more months in his quest for a Champions League where he knows he will have to be at his best to compete with the other large stables.

© 2021 AFP