Paris Saint-Germain: Neymar stretchered off the field, Messi saves PSG against Lille in injury time

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Neymar has to take the stretcher off the field when PSG wins

Photo: Christophe Ena/AP

Superstars Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi saved Paris Saint-Germain from yet another setback.

With their late goals, World Cup top scorer Mbappé (87th minute) and world champion Messi (90th + 5) ensured a spectacular, but by no means convincing 4: 3 (2: 1) of the French champions in the league home game against OSC Lille.

The first competitive win of the league leaders after three previous defeats was only of limited use as a mood lifter with a view to the round of 16 second leg in the Champions League on March 8th at FC Bayern Munich.

Not only the sometimes blatant defense problems, but also Neymar's injury is a cause for concern.

The 31-year-old Brazilian, who scored to make it 2-0 (17th), twisted his right foot after a duel at the beginning of the second half.

He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher and replaced.

Neymar kept touching his ankle afterwards.

Neymar has had to sit out several times in his career due to an ankle injury, he missed three months in the pre-season alone due to a corresponding injury.

Unlike the 1-0 home defeat against Bayern last Tuesday, Mbappé, who had previously injured his thigh, was able to storm alongside Neymar and Messi from the start.

The Frenchman immediately showed with the 1-0 lead (11th) why he is the PSG hope for the second leg in the premier class: strong start, double step-over, cheeky leg shot and skillful finish.

After Neymar had increased to 2-0, PSG downgraded - and that was initially punished.

Bafodé Diakité (23'), Jonathan David (58') and Jonathan Bamba (69') gave Lille a deserved 3-2 lead.

But Mbappé and Messi, who had been inconspicuous for a long time, who ended the eventful game with a directly converted free kick, saved Paris.

jan/dpa