The Champions’ League quarter finals are being played behind closed doors in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. The first of the games saw Paris St Germain take on Italy’s Atalanta, who have been the surprise package this year.
Social media is still buzzing on Thursday, 13 August, after Neymar and Kylian Mbappe inspired Paris St Germain to a miraculous victory over Atalanta, who were 1-0 deep into injury time.
The unfashionable team from the Italian town of Bergamo – which suffered badly from the coronavirus back in March – had never qualified for the Champions’ League before this season but they were moments from humbling PSG’s superstars.
Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic during game with Inter Milan in Bergamio, Italy
Atalanta’s Croatian midfielder Mario Pašalić – who only joined the club from Chelsea on a permanent deal in June – put them ahead after 26 minutes and the French team – backed by their wealthy Qatari owners – looked to be heading out of the competition until a crazy turnaround late in the game.
PSG’s German coach Thomas Tuchel decided to throw on World Cup winning striker Kylian Mbappe – who has been struggling with an ankle injury – on the hour and he turned the tide.
Neymar had caused the Italian defence plenty of problems but he was unable to find the perfect finish on the night.
But in the 90th minute Neymar provided the assist and his fellow Brazilian, defender Marquinhos, touched the ball into the net to equalise.
The game looked to be heading to extra time but Mbappe served up a delicious pass and Eric Choupo-Moting – a player released by Stoke City after they were relegated from the English Premier League – netted in the 93rd minute.
Ironically Tuchel had been heavily criticised on social media for his negative team selection on Tuesday evening. Paris St Germain await the winners of Thursday’s quarter final between Atletico Madrid and Red Bull Leipzig. The other semi final will be between Barcelona/Bayern Munich and Manchester City/Lyon.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
