Love him or hate him, Neymar is a mystery. And at the moment, the soccer star leans to the right side of the balance between captivating and excitable.
On Tuesday, in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against the hosts, the Brazilian wowed in the Parc des Princes.
Brilliant in and out of Bayern Munich’s defenders, pushing gears efficiently and effortlessly, Neymar was in a league of his own when it came to the ball—it was a refreshing bounce for the teen star who was on the lookout. Santos for more than 10 years.
Neymar was amazing in Paris Saint-Germain’s quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday
The Brazilian was the man of the match as Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the Champions League semi-finals
In fact, the only thing that was missing was the goal.
You hit the post. He hit the crossbar. He put countless chances on the plate for his teammate Kylian Mbappe.
Fortunately – with the lowest margins for away goals – we will see them in the semi-finals.
Could this now, finally, be the year Neymar and PSG break the Champions League curse?
Of course, the Brazilian won the biggest prize in Europe in 2015 with Barcelona, scoring in the final against Juventus in Berlin.
But since his record-breaking £198m move to Paris four years ago, winning the Champions League has always been the ultimate goal.
In those years at the Parc des Princes, there were horror performances such as sealing the top spot against Manchester United, but also some near misses – no more than last season’s agonizing defeat in the final against Bayern Munich.
But for Neymar himself, Tuesday saw the return of the player he fell in love with the whole world.
He was the best player on the field, among a plethora of stars. More than that though, he really increased the quality in almost everything he did.
Yes, it got the error several times. But there was a noticeable lack of stage acting and stage acting, which we are used to seeing since the 2018 World Cup.
Neymar’s theatrical representation and his acting in the 2018 World Cup for Brazil did him no favors at all
In Russia, Brazil was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Belgium. But it was an even more memorable tournament in terms of rolling Neymar to the floor and constantly pretending to be injured in an unnecessarily dramatic fashion.
It may be difficult to judge Neymar in this way. After all, almost every player does it.
But the attacker in particular found it difficult to get rid of this mark. Especially when he wasn’t performing to his fullest with club and country in the years that followed.
But this week, there was an outpouring of adoration for Neymar after his outstanding performance. Slowly but surely, he is winning back fans with his performances.
Neymar has formed a fruitful partnership with Kylian Mbappe in the attack line for the Parisians
Manchester City lurks in the quarter-finals, chasing the historic European quartet and inaugural glory.
Having been ousted by Tottenham two years ago, Mauricio Pochettino knows PSG coach well.
Speaking of which, it looks like Neymar has finally found a coach he adores, just the way he wants to be loved.
Speaking after the match on Tuesday, Neymar spoke of his constant satisfaction with perfection.
The 29-year-old has also finally found a coach who loves him the way he desires
He said, “I still owe a goal.” TNT Sports Brazil.
I told Mr. Pochettino that I owed her, no matter how good the match. But I will do it (the goal) in the semi-finals.
The Brazilian has been more specific on the subject of his future, a talking point that often floods with speculation about a return to Barcelona.
“I don’t even think that’s a topic anymore, obviously I feel very comfortable at home in Paris Saint-Germain. I feel happier than before.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi surely thinks Neymar – and Mbappe – will stay in Paris RMC SportWe have invested a lot in the club to win the Champions League and all the titles available.
Can Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain break the European curse? Manchester City is next now
Neymar and Kylian (Mbappe) have no excuse to leave. We really have everything to win all the championships.
“We have a great team today. We respect others but we are with them. We are working. And it’s not over yet. We have to keep going and keep calm because the Champions League is not over yet.
Certainly not. The next city will be the final test. But Neymar at his best could only swing the equalizer in favor of PSG – and make that elusive European crown all the more realistic.
