Mbappe's goal does not prevent PSG disappointment

Kylian Mbappe scored the opener and set up the winner for Paris Saint-Germain as they beat Juventus 2-1 at the Allianz Stadium in the Champions League on Wednesday, but finished a heartbreaking second in their group. PSG came into the match needing to win to ensure top spot in Group H after entering the day ahead on goal difference over Benfica, who played Maccabi Haifa.

Goals from Mbappe and Nuno Mendes looked to have PSG on track, but Benfica beat Haifa 6-1 to pass them on goal difference and advance as group winners. "We've beaten Juventus twice and we were very happy until the 92nd minute," PSG coach Christophe Galtier said after the match. “But if you want to go far in this competition, you have to beat big teams.”

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Mbappe scored an early goal to open proceedings. The France international beat his defender after receiving the ball from Lionel Messi, cut to his right and lashed one past Wojciech Szczesny to put PSG in front. Juventus, who were already eliminated from the last 16, were undeterred by Mbappe's moment of brilliance, and put pressure on the PSG backline. 

A deserved equaliser finally came for Juventus off the boot of Leonardo Bonucci, who made it 1-1 at the break. Juventus had the better of the opening minutes of the second half, but substitute Mendes turned the game in PSG's favour, scoring from a Mbappe assist after replacing Juan Bernat in the 68th minute.

Consolation and embarrassment for Juve

With Benfica beating Maccabi Haifa, Juventus still secured a spot in the Europe League despite the defeat, although it ensured the Old Lady lost five of their six Champions League group stage matches for the first time. Prior to this season, they had only ever suffered five defeats in one Champions League season back in 2002-03, when the format had two group stages.