PSG in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Beaten 2-1 in Germany, on the outward journey, the players of Thomas Tuchel dominated Dortmund 2-0, this Wednesday, on the return, in an empty Parc des Princes because of the closed door, epidemic of coronavirus obliges. Neymar and Bernat for the red and blue goal scorers.
Paris takes (finally) a quarter
Finally ! After three consecutive disappointments in the round of 16, against Barça, Real Madrid and Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain defeated the Indian sign. This time, no bad surprise, no false steps. The context was however not favorable, with this camera and this lunar atmosphere in the spans of the Parc des Princes (see elsewhere). There were also the absences of Marco Verratti, Thomas Meunier (suspended) and Thiago Silva (forfeit), not to mention Kylian Mbappé, sick, long uncertain and finally replacing at kick-off. Never mind, Parisians have not let it count. And here they are again in the quarterfinals, the stage of the competition they had reached from 2013 to 2016. First leg on April 7 or 8, returning a week later, on April 14 or 15. Draw on March 20.
» READ ALSO - The film of the meeting
The sovereign PSG, then tense and liberated
From the start of the meeting, Neymar and company took control of the operations, without however creating a clear opportunity. It is in fact the Borussia who had two blow after blow, with Haaland a bit too short on a center of Hakimi and a recovery except frame of Sancho in stride (19th). Perfectly launched in depth by Di Maria, Cavani was very close to the opening of the score, upset by Burki with the tip of the foot (25th). The latter could however nothing against Neymar, on a corner (1-0, 28th). The BVB continued to place some more or less dangerous banners (36th, 38th, 41st), but it was Paris who doubled the bet, with Bernat at the start and at the conclusion, after a center-shot by his compatriot Sarabia (2- 0.45 + 1).
First half smoothly led by a self-confident PSG. A PSG less serene and lower on the recovery, more often jostled by a Borussia who threw all his forces into the battle. Navas was relatively quiet in his goal, however. A little less on this shot countered by Brandt just above his bar (77th). The entry of Mbappé (64th) gave in-depth solutions and that of Kurzawa (79th) made it possible to block the corridor. Under the threat of a goal that would have sent the two teams in overtime, Paris stood firm if not to drive the point home. Moreover, the tension gained the two camps, with the beginning of a general fight, several yellows (Neymar, Di Maria, Marquinhos) and Can expelled (89th). A final thrill before the final whistle and the deliverance for Paris Saint-Germain, winner, qualified, released (2-0).
Neymar strong head, Di Maria spark
Absent when entering the 8th finals return in 2018 and 2019, Neymar was finally at the rendezvous this year. Already scorer in the first leg, the Brazilian played with the very loose marking of Hakimi to place a winning helmet hit on a corner signed Di Maria (28th). Neymar stirring though, a bit physically fair, aggressive and above all, decisive. But not as prominent in the game as Di Maria, selfless and active, generous in effort, and author of his 20th assist in all competitions. He went out with a feeling of duty accomplished in the 79th minute. Regarding the "Ney", the story could have been different if the ex-Barcelonese had to go out after a blow to the shoulder (8th) which made him wince for a long time. More fear than harm ... Her tears, in the spans of the Park, after the final whistle, mean so much ... Mention very well also to Kimpembe, solid behind, just like her captain for one evening and partner in central hinge, Marquinhos. The grinta of Cavani did good, just like the opportunism of Bernat, the activity of Sarabia. A united PSG. Finally.
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