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
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL Liverpool coach Klopp condemns 'disgusting' Salah abuse ahead of Chelsea clash A video circulated on social media ahead of Chelsea's Europa League match at Slavia Prague showed
Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp condemns 'disgusting' Mohamed Salah
FIFA moved a step closer on Friday to expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams and hopes to confirm the plans in June if a suitable co-host can be found. An internal feasibility study
FIFA backs 48-team World Cup in 2022 - World Soccer Talk
Football: Eden Hazard's supporting cast must step up to liberate Belgian and match City's match-winners. Feb 8, 2019, 11:15 pm Quick Foxes could ambush Pep's men. Dec 25, 2018, 5:00 am. premium.
ValpoAthletics.com - Valpo Football Adds 12 to Recruiting Class
Soccer Football - Premier League - Huddersfield Town v Southampton - John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, Britain - December 22, 2018 Southampton's Nathan Redmond in action with Huddersfield Town's Te
Southampton power past struggling Huddersfield Town - Reuters
SINGAPORE - Singaporean Akbar Nawas has been named the I-League's best coach after leading Chennai City to their first title earlier this month. The Indian team swept seven out of 10 categories at the I-League awards and trophy presentation ceremony at the Taj Corramandel in Chennai on Wednesday (March 20).
Latest AKBAR NAWAS | The Straits Times
Signs of Manchester United revival in loss to City: Wes Brown City were denied a second by a superb goal-line clearance from Ben Mee, who stretched to clear off the line after substitute Gabriel
Wes Brown recognises Ferguson fingerprints at Manchester
Time for Sanchez, Lukaku to shine. The emergence of an invigorated Manchester United attack has seen Alexis Sanchez (far left) and Romelu Lukaku fall down the pecking order. PHOTO: REUTERS.
Time for Sanchez, Lukaku to shine - theworldnews.net
Gazzaniga, 27, has made 10 Spurs appearances this season, including two in the Premier League when Lloris was unavailable in September. Lloris is much more experienced than Gazzaniga, but Jenas fears that the Frenchman's poor form could cost Spurs a place in the top four if manager Mauricio Pochettino doesn't make a change.
Jermaine Jenas calls on Spurs to drop Hugo Lloris for Paulo
Cristiano Ronaldo was fined almost €19 million ($21.6 million) for tax fraud on Tuesday but will avoid serving a 23-month prison sentence. The Juventus forward, who played for Real Madrid from
Ronaldo fined, not jailed for tax fraud - theworldnews.net
Liverpool produced perhaps the greatest Anfield comeback in the club's European history by beating FC Barcelona 4-0 to reach the 2018-19 Champions League final. Trailing 3-0 from the opening encounter in Spain six days ago, the Reds' hopes of overcoming the Spanish giants on aggregate were alive, yet slim, at kick-off.
Liverpool stun Barcelona to reach final with 4-0 comeback win
Football: Neymar banned for three Champions League matches
Lions hungry for post-raya victory. The Fandi brothers are back in town to play in this weekend's Merlion Cup. The Straits Times caught up with them on their experience playing overseas, what it's
Flipboard: Lions hungry for post-raya victory
Chelsea Not In Premier League Title Race, Says Sarri. during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Chelsea at The London Stadium, in east London on September 23
Chelsea not in Premier League title race, says Sarri
0 comments:
Post a Comment