Real Madrid’s defenders, with Eder Militao in particular, endured a tough night in Paris against Kylian Mbappe and co during the clash with PSG.
The Frenchman who is tipped for a switch to Los Blancos in the summer did not let the rumours distract him during the Round of 16 tie as he was a constant threat the whole night and also bagged a stoppage-time winner for the Parisiens.
The right side of the Madrid defence had their work cut out to try and contain Mbappe with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao doubling up often against the Frenchman. But Mbappe was almost unplayable as neither right-back Carvajal nor the backup RB Lucas Vasquez – brought on to replace the tired Spaniard – were able to stop him.
The forward’s speed and movement at times even caught out Madrid’s own pacey defender Militao, who was seen struggling during the few 1v1 situations the two had.
Having fouled Mbappe already before this play, the duo was seen making amends. As soon as play resumed, Militao was unable to judge and respond to Mbappe’s quick changes in pace. The Brazilian was seen chasing after the Frenchman bearing down Courtois’s goal.
— Roldán (@Benzenazi9) February 16, 2022
Militao further suffered at the hands or rather quick feet from left-back Nuno Mendes. The getaway had fans comparing this 1v1 situation to a famous one from the past.
Nuno putting Militao on the floor looked eerily similar to when Leo Messi sent Bayern defender Jerome Boateng for a spin in their Champions League first leg encounter back in 2015.
Tears Militao got boatenged 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/R9Fj27JS6R
— Azin (@azin_FCB) February 17, 2022
While the scoreline was not as bad as the Barca-Bayern tie, Madrid does have to face the Frenchman again and nullifying Mbappe’ threat would definitely be top of manager Carlo Ancelloti’s agenda going into the second leg in Madrid.
The Italian would also be hoping that the player’s transfer goes through in the summer so that he does not have to worry about his side playing against him.
If Mbappe’s proposed move to Real Madrid does go through, then Militao should begin getting accustomed to such encounters as there would certainly be a lot more of this during training at Valdebebas.
