Atalanta-PSG: "Such a victory erases fatigue and pain," says Pascal Nouma

"On the goal of Choupo-Moting, we jumped on the tables at home, it was crazy". Pascal Nouma watched the qualification of PSG against Atalanta Bergamo (1-2) from his home in Istanbul (Turkey). The former PSG striker (1991-1996) vibrated and appreciated the state of mind of the Parisian players.

How do you analyze this funny match?

PASCAL NOUMA. What a bizarre match! Bergamo clearly dominated PSG in the first half. The Parisians seemed totally withdrawn. They played more after the break and Neymar was huge despite not having a great game until then. We see in these moments the genius that he is. After his two mistakes against the goalkeeper, once right foot and once left foot, he could have doubted. But he is a great player, he has already experienced this type of situation. He stayed in his match and ended up making the difference at the end of the game.

Did you doubt?

A little. Atalanta played their game and spun the ball, their players were aggressive. Defensively, they were very solid. They believed in it and it must be a big disappointment for them to have come so close to the feat. But this kind of match is always played on details and on personal achievements. But what Neymar does on the last goal with this pass in the back is exceptional.

For Pascal Nouma, the victory will bring the players "an extra soul". PhotoPQR / L'Alsace / JFF  

Which player disappointed you?

Icardi. He was absent from the match. It's amazing for such an experienced player. He was not at the level of a Champions League quarter-final. It can happen not to score but he did not seem concerned by the meeting. I would have been in the field, he would have heard me with this attitude! He lacked anger.

Do you see Paris qualifying for the final?

A semi-final in one game, anything can happen. But, at this level, all the teams are good. It might be better for PSG to fall on Leipzig. His game is more favorable to Parisians than that of Atlético de Madrid.

What can this crazy scenario change in the hearts of Parisians?

It was incredible to see the reaction of the whole team, the staff, the madness of the substitutes and the injured in the stand. With such a scenario, the players will be put together like sick people. Choupo-Moting, imagine what state of mind he will be in the next match! They are all going to be full, it creates an extra soul. A victory like this erases fatigue and pain. This can only create more confidence.