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
Vow of 'continued success' - theworldnews.net
Shop for the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar and receive free shipping on your order and the guaranteed lowest price.
Sergio Aguero's hat-trick led Manchester City to a 3-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday and back into second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool. The victory put the
Football: Aguero hat-trick fires Man City to 3-1 win over Arsenal
Liverpool will spend Christmas on top of the Premier League after goals from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk earned them a 2-0 win at Wolves on Friday, opening up a four-point lead over second
Liverpool seal Christmas top spot as Salah and Van Dijk sink
Football: Qatar coach to 'isolate' team from Gulf politics at
Ikhsan Fandi's career in Norway has got off to a good start after he scored his first goal in Raufoss IL's 6-1 win over Elverum FC in a friendly. The 19-year-old pounced and smashed in a
Football: Teen forward Ikhsan Fandi off to Norway for trial
Real Madrid They say you should never go back. However, Mourinho has shown in the past that such an adage is one he has no time for, demonstrated by his return to Chelsea for a second stint after departing Real Madrid in May 2013.
Sacked Mourinho will be next Real Madrid - mirror.co.uk
LONDON: Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has warned Maurizio Sarri he must be given a more important role next season if the Blues boss wants him to stay at Stamford Bridge. Giroud has been largely
France star demands 'more important' role with Chelsea
bayern munich win german bundesliga soccer title for seventh consecutive season. bayern munich win german bundesliga soccer title for seventh consecutive season.
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive
Keep up to date with all the latest news from FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 - Technical Study Group (TSG) national team. They will be supported by FIFA
FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 - News - FIFA Legends Bebeto
Champions League final may mess up Nations League plans, says
Barcelona put one hand on La Liga title after edging past Sociedad Barca lead the standings on 77 points after 33 games, comfortably clear of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who won 1-0 at
Barca put one hand on title after edging past Sociedad
Valencia. Football: Valencia chairman Murthy says King's Cup victory 'icing on the cake' to a fine season. straitstimes.com - DAVID LEE. SINGAPORE - Their title drought has ended after more than a decade, and in just five seasons after taking over in 2014, Peter Lim's Valencia are …
Kerber crashes to Russian teen at Roland Garros as Federer
Speaking ahead of Cardiff's trip to Arsenal on Tuesday, their first match since Sala's plane vanished, Warnock said it had been the most difficult week of his career and admits he had
Warnock says Sala tragedy is most difficult week of his career
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar