PSG Player Ratings vs Maccabi Haifa: 9/10 for Messi, Mbappe; Donnarumma limps to a 5

PSG qualified for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a thumping 7-2 win over Maccabi Haifa at the Parc des Princes.

French champions PSG qualified for the Round of 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League with a sensational 7-2 win over Israeli side Maccabi Haifa at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

Christophe Galtier’s side were dominant from start to finish and could have had more if they were a tad more clinical. The Ligue 1 champions have their front three to thank as they showed their class, aiding the home side in running away with the game.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a curling effort to hand Paris Saint-Germain the early initiative. Kylian Mbappe went on to double the home side’s advantage in the 32nd minute with a similar effort that left the Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper stranded.

The front three linked up once again three minutes later, with Neymar applying the finish touches this time. Maccabi Haifa pulled one back in the 38th minute with a clever free-kick that saw Abdoulaye Seck catch Gianluigi Donnarumma off guard.

Messi restored PSG’s three-goal lead with a trademark dribble and goal just before half-time. Maccabi Haifa opened the second half well and pulled another goal back thanks to Seck, who was left unmarked at the far post from a corner.

Achraf Hakimi missed a glorious chance to make the scoreline 5-2 moments before he played through Mbappe, who made no mistake. It stemmed Maccabi Haifa’s momentum and shifted the tide in PSG’s favour.

The unfortunate Sean Goldberg put it past his own goalkeeper in the 67th minute before substitute Carlos Soler applied the finishing touches on an 84th-minute strike to make it 7-2. PSG had several more chances to apply gloss to the scoreline but were unable to hit the target. The Hard Tackle looks at how the PSG players fared on the night.

Gianluigi Donnarumma: 5/10

Donnarumma was twice outfoxed on set pieces and should have been more aware of his surroundings. He made an excellent save off Tjaronn Chery in the second half but did not inspire confidence with his decision-making or handling.

Achraf Hakimi: 6.5/10

The right-back was a constant menace down the right flank and had a golden chance to score in the second half. He failed to find a way past Josh Cohen but made up for it by providing the assist for Mbappe’s second of the game minutes later. Hakimi also played a role in the build-up to PSG’s sixth.

Sergio Ramos: 6/10

The Spaniard still looks rusty and at times, struggled to contain Frantzdy Pierrot. However, with PSG’s frontline exploding, Ramos’s performance did not hurt the home side’s chances. He earned himself a yellow card in the first half after bringing down Pierrot.

Marquinhos: 6/10

The Brazilian had a few shaky moments but improved as the game went on. Marquinhos was almost caught out by Pierrot in the 49th minute and was taken off for Presnel Kimpembe late on.

Juan Bernat: 6/10

The Spaniard was better going forward than in defence, linking up well with Mbappe down the left. With PSG scoring several times, he was given the license to not worry too much about defensive duties.

Fabian Ruiz: 7/10

Another strong performance from the former Napoli man, who is finding his bearings in a PSG jersey. The Spaniard linked up well with the players around him and caused trouble in the Maccabi Haifa defence with several runs from deep.

Renato Sanches: 6/10

The Portuguese midfielder started at the tip of the midfield in Marco Verratti’s absence but failed to inspire confidence. He still has a long way to go before developing into a regular starter for the French champions.

Vitinha: 7/10

The summer signing was solid and kept the ball rolling all game. His defensive understanding was the perfect foil to Ruiz’s more attacking tendencies and gave the PSG midfield much-needed balance. He certainly showed the ability to run a game even without Verratti alongside him.

Lionel Messi: 9/10

The Argentine was arguably the best player in PSG’s front three and left the crowd spellbound with a fine performance. He took both of his goals well and also added two more assists to his tally on the night. Messi would be cursing himself for not getting a hat-trick, striking the post in the 76th minute. The Argentine was unplayable at times on the night.

Neymar: 8/10

The Brazilian ended the night with just one goal, but his return added fire to PSG’s forward line. Neymar was a constant menace in the Maccabi Haifa box and could have been more clinical. He played a big role in Goldberg’s own goal and also earned himself an early Yellowcard for arguing with the referee.

Kylian Mbappe: 9/10

The Frenchman grabbed himself two goals and assists apiece and linked up well with his strike partners. Mbappe’s runs wreaked havoc in the opposition’s defence, opening up space for Neymar and Messi to exploit. Mbappe went missing at times but was clinical when presented with opportunities to score.

SUBSTITUTES

Carlos Soler: 7/10

It was a much-improved performance from the Spaniard, who struggled at the weekend. Soler replaced Renato Sanches in the 68th minute and got himself onto the scoresheet with a clinical 84th-minute strike to make the score 7-2.

Warren Zaire-Emery: 6/10

He replaced Vitinha and almost got himself an assist with a through ball for Hugo Ekitike.

Hugo Ekitike: 6/10

The youngster’s hunt for his first goal in PSG colours continues. Ekitike had two sensational chances late on but contrived to miss both. Ekitike, however, showed good positioning and movement, showcasing his potential for all to see.

Presnel Kimpembe: N/A

The Frenchman made his return from injury. With the game settled there was no better time for him to be brought on, and he had little to do.

Pablo Sarabia: N/A

The Spaniard was a late substitute for Ruiz as PSG saw out the game.