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Kylian Mbappe scores past Juventus’ imperious backline of Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli to prove he’s the real deal

Monaco striker made it five out of six Champions League games he's scored in — and this was against No.1 defence

KYLIAN MBAPPE’S stock continues to rise — despite a relatively low-key performance against Juventus.

The Italian giants confirmed their place in the Champions League final with a 2-1 victory over Monaco to win the tie 4-1 on aggregate.

Kylian Mbappe wants a quick re-start after scoring a consolation for Monaco
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Kylian Mbappe wants a quick re-start after scoring a consolation for MonacoCredit: Getty Images

However, despite a quiet showing over both legs, Mbappe showed he can mix it with the best around by doing the impossible — and breaching Juventus’ backline.


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The 18-year-old showed his promise early on in the game when he put the ball past Gianluigi Buffon and onto the inside of the post, only to be flagged offside.

Goals home and away against both Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund catapulted him into superstardom.

After his Champions League knockout exploits, he started scoring for fun in Ligue 1.

However, he was well marshalled by the veteran Thiago Silva in the recent 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup semi-final.

Kylian Mbappe finds a way past the Juventus defence to net Monaco's consolation
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Kylian Mbappe finds a way past the Juventus defence to net Monaco's consolationCredit: Rex Features
Kylian Mbappe is crowded out by Andrea Barzagli as he comes forward for Monaco
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Kylian Mbappe is crowded out by Andrea Barzagli as he comes forward for MonacoCredit: Rex Features
Kylian Mbappe is closely watched by Leonardo Bonucci during attack
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Kylian Mbappe is closely watched by Leonardo Bonucci during attackCredit: Getty Images

Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli expertly dealt with the young French striker in the first leg.

And the defensive trio kept Mbappe under control for most of the return, with the Monaco ace restricted to wild drives.

However, the one time they let him out of their sight, he snuck in to score his side’s consolation.

Kylian Mbappe despairs as Juventus celebrate after a close Monaco chance
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Kylian Mbappe despairs as Juventus celebrate after a close Monaco chanceCredit: Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe chases the ball into the net after finding a way past Gianluigi Buffon
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Kylian Mbappe chases the ball into the net after finding a way past Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Getty Images

At 18, Mbappe should be easy meat for the veteran Italian trio, who know all the tricks of the trade to deal with strikers.

But they had to be very careful to deal with young striker’s energy and movement.

Despite having been kept quiet for so much of the tie, Mbappe perhaps proved tonight more than any other that he is the real deal.

This makes it five out of six Champions League starts he has scored in — and all in the business end of the season.

Kylian Mbappe finds the time to help rival, Andrea Barzagli, recover
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Kylian Mbappe finds the time to help rival, Andrea Barzagli, recoverCredit: Getty Images

One of the final question marks remaining over his head, was his ability to find a way through when defenders appeared to have figured out how to deal with him.

And Mbappe did it to score past arguably the best backline in football history.

A quiet game, but these 180 minutes will have learned more here than he has in his short career so far.

If he can score past Buffon, Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli, who can’t he score against?

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