That the match at the Parc des Princes ended 0-1 was really completely incomprehensible. This was when Paris SG in general and Neymar in particular created – and burned – a number of high-octane chances.
Not least in an intense period towards the end of the first half.
+ In the 34th minute: Neymar turned in from the right and shot with the left. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved via the post.
+ In the 37th minute: Neymar with his own company, and associated heel fine – and then a caressing shot that hit the crossbar.
After 39 minutes, a couple of quick and successful challenges followed by a shot from just outside the penalty area by Neymar might have resulted in another goal for Neymar. However, Kylian Mbappé made a spectacular save.
An old football rule reads, however: if you do not score on your chances, it is almost a guarantee that the opponent will.
Not infrequently immediately.
That was also the case. Bayern went on the attack immediately after Neymar’s last post hit. David Alaba took a close-range shot, which was saved by Keylor Navas in the PSG goal – but on the return Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting appeared and nodded in Bayern’s lead goal.
Paris SG has in recent years won everything that can be won at home in France, several times over. But in the Champions League, PSG have become champions in spectacular outings. The club has gone away several times, has been surprisingly played out a few other times. And not least: 2016–17 was lost 4-0 from the first round of 16 at home against Barcelona, after losing by an incredible 1-6 away, after two goals were conceded in extra time.
After all of Neymar’s misses and Bayern Munich’s lead goal, it was as if it was in the air that a new remarkable loss in a double encounter was about to occur.
But maybe this is the year where PSG reach all the way in Europe.
Because despite several real chances also in the second half there were no more goals, and Paris SG is thus on to the semifinals in the Champions League thanks to more away goals scored, as the team won 3-2 in Munich in last week’s first quarter final.
Bayern were on for a second goal, which would have been enough. But without the injured super striker Robert Lewandowski and covid-19-infected Serge Gnabry, the last thing was missing for the German bastard. The reigning champion has now capitulated.
In the quarter-final between Chelsea and Porto, the losing team in the return leg also went on. Both matches were decided in Sevilla due to covid-19 restrictions. Chelsea had 2-0 with them from the first meeting and moved on, despite 0-1 on Tuesday night.
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