Paris Saint-Germain are well poised to make the Champions League’s knockouts after a merited 2-1 win against Liverpool.
Spanish left-back Juan Bernat’s low shot and superstar Neymar’s tap-in – to become Brazil’s all-time top-scorer in the competition – made it 2-0 to the hosts by 37 minutes. The Reds were then given a lifeline in first-half injury time as Argentina winger Angel Di Maria’s wild challenge allowed veteran midfielder James Milner to score from the penalty spot.
Although better after the break, Liverpool struggled to craft promising chances in a match they couldn’t really afford to lose.
PSG must now beat eliminated Red Star Belgrade, away, to be assured of progression when Group C winds up.
PSG (4-3-3)
Gianluigi Buffon – 6: Picking the ball out of his net after Milner’s penalty was as strenuous as it got for the iconic 40-year-old. Faced just one attempt on target.
Thilo Kehrer – 7: A lively presence in both halves. Battle with Scotland skipper Andrew Robertson was one to savour.
Thiago Silva – 8: What a leader. Snubbed out even the slightest threat of danger, showing far more drive than his Liverpool opponents.
Presnel Kimpembe – 6: Often provides an ungainly figure. A stupid foul on Mohamed Salah put PSG in needless late danger.
Juan Bernat – 7: Has now struck in successive Champions League matches, after his goal at Napoli. Did well to control the ball at pace and bamboozle Alisson with a low shot into the near post.
Neymar – 8: The first half belonged to PSG – and that was thanks to Neymar. Found pockets of space with abandon when floating in from the left. Pace on the break and ability to predict rebound for second was outstanding. Less of an attacking presence in demure second half.
Marco Verratti – 7: Ball of energy, who then showed remarkable poise to break through the lines and find Neymar. However, was exceedingly fortunate not to be dismissed for an unsightly lunge on Joe Gomez.
Marquinhos – 7: You’d think he’d been playing defensive midfield all his life. The embodiment of head coach Thomas Tuchel’s detailed work on the training pitch.
Angel Di Maria – 5: Started like a house on fire. But then kept picking up injuries and what went through his head for the penalty?
Edinson Cavani – 5: Only produced one attempt on target – and even that was comically miscued. Still regularly fails to convince against elite opposition.
Kylian Mbappe – 7: The teenager went missing at Anfield, but was highly visible for PSG in a dominant first half. His centre to Cavani eventually led to Neymar’s crucial second.
31 - Neymar is now the top-scoring Brazilian player in Champions League history, overtaking Kaká who scored 30 goals in the competition. Wonder. pic.twitter.com/PGRo4o5Adm
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 28, 2018
SUBSTITUTES
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – 5: Stretched legs to provide running power on the counter. Lack of ability was shown by how easily he was herded by Van Dijk when in a promising position.
Dani Alves – 6: Utilised as an inverted right winger as PSG expertly closed out the final stages.
Adrien Rabiot – N/A: Little to report about the contract rebel’s late appearance.
