Brazilian footballer Neymar guides PSG into Champions League semi-final
- Brazilian starlet Neymar was adjudged the Man-of-the-match for his performance against Atalanta
- PSG scored in the 90th minute through Marquinhos who was assisted by a cross from Neymar
- Neymar made 16 key dribbles during the match
Brazilian footballer and Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG) 200 million pounds forward Neymar played a pivotal role in PSG’s win against Italian club Atalanta on Thursday night in the Champions League quarter-finals. Neymar was the only bright spark for the Thomas Tuchel coached side in a match where PSG trailed their opponent until the 90th minute.
The French team then scored two goals in quick succession to beat the Italian side, Atalanta. The late comeback from the French-side PSG ensured them their first semi-final in 25 years.
The Brazilian starlet was adjudged the Man-of-the-match for his performance as he set up the equalising goal for his team. PSG scored in the 90th minute through Marquinhos, who was assisted by a cross from Neymar.
Read More: All eyes on Atalanta vs PSG as Champions League quarter-finals gets underway
Neymar’s teammate Kylian Mbappe then set up a ball for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who scored the winning goal for the French side in the 93rd minute of the game. Here too Neymar had a role to play as the Brazilian striker set up the ball for team Mbappe, who then delivered it to the eventual goal scorer Choupo-Moting.
Neymar, whose salary according to a report by website FootballInside, is equal to that of the entire Atalanta squad, delivered a stunning performance for his team. And, after three years, the French side made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League tournament.
Earlier in the night, Neymar had missed two clear cut opportunities from open play as the striker shot wide of goal.
During the course of the match, Neymar made 16 key dribbles, the most in a Champions League game since Lionel Messi achieved the feat in 2008.
Neymar also drilled a shot at Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello after a brilliant run.
Read More: Choupo-Moting the hero as PSG stun Atalanta to reach Champions League semis
It was a heartbreak for the Italian side Atalanta, who had scored more than 90 goals in Serie A and finished 3rd in the League. Despite taking an early lead through a goal from midfielder Mario Pasalic, the Italian side conceded two late goals that cost them the match.
A string of lost chances coupled with PSG goalkeeper Navas’ keeping, who denied headers from Hans Hatebor and Mattia Caldara, lead to their defeat.
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