PARIS • Paris Saint-Germain appeared to be in trouble when they won only one of their first four matches in the Champions League this season, but six points from their final two games proved enough to send them through to the knockout stages.
The French champions reached the round of 16 on Tuesday thanks to inspired performances by Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe in a 4-1 win at Red Star Belgrade.
All three forwards scored in an intimidating atmosphere at the Rajko Mitic stadium, and defender Marquinhos was also on target to cancel out a volley by Red Star defender Marko Gobeljic.
The result lifted PSG to the top of Group C on 11 points, two ahead of Liverpool who also qualified thanks to a 1-0 home win over Napoli that left them ahead of the Italian side on goals scored.
Mbappe believes his team's turnaround was the result of clear-the-air talks in the dressing room after their wobbly start.
The 19-year-old told RMC Sport: "I don't think the team's improved; it's more that we had a realisation.
"We started performing and did what was asked of us. We asked questions of ourselves as individuals and as a team. You have to be able to speak frankly to each other. We did that and got our reward."
PSG started their European campaign this term with a 3-2 loss to Liverpool and coach Thomas Tuchel was delighted with the way his team have bounced back.
"It's not about the system, but about the attitude. It's really hard to win here and the guys played magnificently," he told RMC Sport.
"It was a difficult group with a lot of quality. It was hard, especially after our first match in Liverpool. The team showed they could play together."
Mbappe set up goals for Cavani and Neymar and was assisted by the latter for his own strike, and he was keen to praise the qualities of his attacking teammates.
"I have the chance to play with two great players. When we play like tonight, it's good for everyone," said the Frenchman.
"They are players who have nothing to prove to anyone. Cavani is the leading goalscorer in the club's history; Neymar is one of the best in the world.
"We have to go forward and look at what is ahead. We're looking at the last 16 and we'll see what happens in the draw (on Monday)."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
Atletico Madrid beat Valencia, delaying Barcelona's eight La Liga title in 11 years. David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images Alvaro Morata put Atletico ahead on a rain-swept evening in the ninth minute by knocking a cross in from close range on the volley but Valencia equalised in the 36th through former Atletico forward Kevin Gameiro .
Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid - BBC Sport
Pochettino wants Tottenham to be 'brave and aggressive' against Juve Published: 14:53 EST, 1 Skip navigation Spurs are back at this stage of the Champions League for the first time since
Pochettino wants Spurs and Levy to be 'brave' going forward
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 25, 2019, with the headline ''No issue' with faith in youth'. Print Edition | Subscribe. Topics:
Youth Groups Driving Christian Teens to Abandon Faith
Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund have insisted Chelsea-target Christian Pulisic will not be allowed to leave in the January transfer window. According to British media reports, Chelsea are interested in the 20-year-old US international, but Dortmund, who want 50 million euros ($56.8m) for the
Dortmund insist Premier League target Pulisic not for sale in
Liverpool forwards Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino will miss Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Barcelona through injury. Salah left the pitch on a stretcher after an aerial
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino ruled out of FC
Real Madrid have signed Serbia striker Luka Jovic from Eintracht Frankfurt for 60 million euros ($67 million), reports suggest. Jovic, 21, scored 10 goals for the German side in their run to the
Football: Real Madrid sign Jovic for 60 million euros: Report
Everton 4-0 Manchester City: Pep's Citizens dismantled by impressive Toffees 01/15/2017 4:28 PM It was a performances for the ages as Everton provide another setback for City in one of the
Pep Guardiola says Everton are a top side that have impressed
Manchester United has announced that Jose Mourinho has left the Club. We would like to thank him for his work during his time at Manchester United and wish him success in the future. #MUFC A
Manchester United sack Mourinho - espn.com
Mauricio Pochettino says Harry Kane is making a "fantastic" recovery and could be back in action ahead of schedule following the ankle injury he suffered last month against Manchester United. Kane was initially ruled out until March, but Spurs boss Pochettino said the England captain could feature
Earlier, PSG condemned "Patrice Evra's homophobic insults aimed at us… on social media" after a bizarre spat in which Evra used the French word "pede", a derogatory term for homosexuals, to describe the Parisians. Nonetheless, the 37-year-old claimed his comments had been twisted by the French media.
Ex-United star denies homophobia after spat with PSG
Ranieri Lined Up as Roma Sack Di Francesco After Champions League Flop Eusebio Di Francesco was sacked as Roma coach after the team crashed out of the Champions League, the Italian club confirmed on Thursday, with former boss Claudio Ranieri tipped to replace him.
Football: Ranieri lined-up as Roma sack Di Francesco after
0 comments:
Post a Comment