Real Madrid 2-2 PSG: Visitors' late show cancels out Karim Benzema brace in Champions League thriller

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Ben Hayward26 November 2019

Kylian Mbappe and Pablo Sarabia struck in quick succession to steal a late draw for Paris Saint-Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu after Real Madrid had looked to be on course for a win following a Karim Benzema brace on Tuesday night.

Madrid, with Isco a surprise starter in the teams' Champions League Group A clash, were excellent in the first half with some slick passing and link-up play.

Zinedine Zidane’s side deservedly took the lead after 17 minutes, when Eden Hazard started off an attack with some super play in midfield and Benzema was there to hit home after Isco had struck a shot against the post.

There was a bizarre incident just before half-time as Thibaut Courtois came rushing off his line and brought down Mauro Icardi, the Belgian keeper shown a red card by the referee as VAR checked for a possible penalty after the contact had occurred on the edge of the box.

But VAR ruled out the red card and there was no spot-kick either as a foul on Marcelo was spotted in the build-up.

That was a relief for Madrid and Los Blancos continued to dominate in the second half, despite the introduction of Neymar.

Benzema then headed home from a Marcelo cross to make it 2-0 with 11 minutes left and it looked like Real were on course for victory.

But Mbappe took advantage of a mix-up between Courtois and Raphael Varane to tap in from close range just two minutes later at the other end and substitute Pablo Sarabia stunned the Bernabeu with an equaliser shortly after that.

Sarabia, who had started his career at Real, hit a loose ball into the top corner after a shot had been blocked to silence the home fans.

Both teams came close to a winner in the closing stages as Neymar hit the side netting and Gareth Bale, with the last kick of the game, struck the post with a free-kick.

The result means PSG are confirmed as group winners as Madrid, five points back, also advance to the last 16 in second place, whatever happens in the last round of matches next month.

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