PSG forward Neymar has equaled Messi record as the player to complete 16 dribbles in a single match, a record jointly shared by Lionel Messi and Javier Zannetti. With the club celebrating its 50th year, it’s looked like it was going to be the sub-story for the Parisian club.
PSG changed gear at the 93rd minute
The Brazillian played a pivotal role in the quarterfinal match against this season’s UEFA Champions League underdog Atalanta. Despite missing a golden chance in the opening five minutes of the game, he gave a man of the match performance. Before the match, PSG had never won any game against an Italian opponent. It looked like it was going to stay that way as Atalanta took the lead through Mario Pasalic in the 21st minute after a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net gave them the lead.
Neymar stepped up as he took the game to the Italian team; he was on every ball as he controlled the game dribbled past players. But his end product was always a millimeter off target.
The introduction of the second most expensive player in the world in the 60th minute, Kylian Mbappe –provided the needed quality. Most importantly, pace and end product for PSG as his trickery on and off the ball was too much as gave the defense double-dose of trouble.
Neymar with the £200 million assist
The Brazilian produced the assist for the equalizing goal tapped in by Marquinhos right at the stroke of 90 minutes; he combined with Mbappe as the Frenchman teed-up Choupo-Moting for the winning goal in the 93rd minute of the game.
PSG’s win is the first time the club would reach the semi-finals since 1994-95. Neymar played his part in the achievement as he won the Man of the Match award for his role, 16 dribbles, and four clear-cut chances created by the Brazilian. Some fans feel the award should have been given to Kylian as his presence changed the game’s dynamics in 30-minute.
PSG’s semi-final fixture on the 18th of August would see them face either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid, with the two teams to play their quarterfinal on Thursday.
