How confusing, annoying this player is! For spectators as for his opponents. Even for his teammates, who do not always have to understand certain gestures, certain attitudes. But what to reproach Neymar for, when he finally offers you the victory (5-1)? This Wednesday in Lyon, it is he who scored, on penalty (64th), the goal that changes the scenario of a semi-final of the Coupe de France dull on his part and that of his team. He will also offer the last goal to his friend Mbappé.
For the second time in two visits to Groupama Stadium, the first was last September (1-0), the Parisian striker deceived Anthony Lopes. A vital goal that almost never happened.
A (big) fright occurred at the end of the first period. After a harmless offensive action, Neymar complains about the right leg, between the calf and the knee. Sufficient pain to indicate this to Thomas Tuchel. We think then not to see him come back on the lawn. Miracle a quarter of an hour later: the "Ney" is there and begins its period with a long race and a hot discussion, in his native language, with his compatriot Marcelo. A quarrel that will continue throughout the second period.
He played the big brothers by calming Mbappé
PSG can breathe: its Brazilian star will be there against Dortmund in a week to play its first 8th final return to the Champions League in Parisian colors. Unless new pains arrive this Thursday or against Strasbourg, this Saturday, of course. In the positive case, PSG will need a completely different Neymar than that of Groupama Stadium. The former Barça is lacking in rhythm and it shows, at least as much as his slight overweight.
Two facts that justify its mixed performance in line with a sluggish February. He spent the first period walking, claiming too few balls. It is also his responsibility to create play and to offer lags and passes to his attackers. Two notable actions on his part: a percussion then a center in the Lyon area (35th) and, ten minutes later, a difficult 50-meter sprint won in front of Dubois for a superb ball that Cavani propels on the post (44th). Once the score acquired in favor of PSG and Marçal excluded, on the penalty action, Neymar took advantage of larger spaces, without however obtaining great opportunities.
With the Lyon public, he had action! After scoring 2-1, the Brazilian offered himself a short session. Aimed at by a laser and a few objects, he picked up what looked like lighters to show them to the assistant referee and then ... juggle with a few moments. After Sarabia's 4-1 goal, he knew what Mbappé had experienced before him this season: the visit of a fan on the lawn. Neymar hugged him before he was quietly dismissed.
PSG Express
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With the referee also, the Brazilian international had his account, by receiving a yellow (86th) for a fault in the middle of the field. Before that, he had played the big brothers by calming Mbappé, very upset against Mr. Buquet. An attitude more worthy of its rank.
