Champions League: Neymar Seals Narrow PSG Win over Leipzig

Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 RB Leipzig

Paris Saint-Germain’s path to qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages is back on track as they scored a big 1-0 home win over RB Leipzig.

Neymar’s 11th-minute penalty was all the Parisians needed to see off the Red Bulls, who played well but were unable to take their chances in front of goal.

As a result of this win, PSG’s Champions League 2020 odds of making it to the next round have improved as they are now second in the group, while Leipzig suddenly have some work to do.

 

Highlights of the game

Just like their first meeting in Leipzig, PSG got off to another strong start as they took the lead after just 11 minutes. Angel Di Maria, who gave the Parisians the early lead in Germany, was once again prominently involved in their opener.

After Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano’s pass was intercepted, Ander Herrera quickly released Di Maria, who was fouled in the penalty area by Leipzig skipper Marcel Sabitzer. Neymar stepped up to the spot, and after a few stutter steps, coolly slotted past Peter Gulacsi.

Sabitzer very nearly made up for his costly error right away on the other end as he came close to an equaliser. Christopher Nkunku headed Amadou Haidara’s cross into the path of Sabitzer, whose first-time strike was deflected just wide of the goal.

And on the ensuing corner, it was Upamecano’s turn to try and make up for his crucial mistake which led to the goal. The centre-back was left unmarked, and his looping header had to be tipped over the bar by PSG keeper Keylor Navas.

It took a quarter of an hour for PSG’s two main stars, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to combine for the first meaningful time in the match. Mbappe dribbled into the Leipzig defence before laying a pass off to Neymar, who was unable to control it. The ball eventually broke back to Mbappe, but his acrobatic attempt on goal did not trouble Gulacsi.

Di Maria then came close to getting on the scoresheet himself on the half-hour mark as he sent a free kick bending just wide of Gulacsi’s goal.

A few minutes later, it was Navas’ turn to be tested. Yussuf Poulsen set up Haidara for a shot outside the box, which Navas did well to save despite a slight deflection off a PSG defender.

Leipzig had one more great chance to equalise at the stroke of half-time. Dani Olmo’s cross perfectly found Emil Forsberg, but the Swede’s first-time volley sailed well over the bar.

Forsberg would threaten the PSG goal once more just minutes into the second half. Again, he got on the end of a great cross delivered from the right wing, but again he was unable to hit the target with his attempted volley.

Leipzig continued to pile on the pressure in search for an equaliser, but for all of their possession, they struggled to create clear goalscoring opportunities.

Poulsen had a decent chance on 79 minutes as he rose high off a corner, but he was unable to keep his header down. That was about as close as the visitors came to a goal as PSG were able to hold on for the narrow victory.

 

Key statistics

Looking at the final statistics of the match, Leipzig certainly looked like they played well enough to earn at least a point. They controlled 62 per cent of possession, which is something few teams do to PSG in Paris.

The German side also nearly doubled their hosts’ shot attempts, 15-8. Sabitzer and Forsberg finished with four shots apiece.

However, only three of those 13 shots were on target as Leipzig lacked that clinical finishing with Timo Werner no longer around. Forsberg’s chance in first-half stoppage time in particular summed up their struggles in front of goal.

On the PSG side, neither Mbappe and Neymar created all that many Champions League 2020 highlights. But it was at least encouraging to see their defence, which has had its struggles this season, successfully protect their lead for nearly 80 minutes.

 

What’s next?

Thanks to that win, PSG are now back in control of their destiny in Group H. They are in second place in the group, three points back of leaders Manchester United and tied with Leipzig, who are also on six points. If they simply match Leipzig’s results their last two group matches, they will go through.

PSG will next travel to Old Trafford to face United. The French champions will be eager for revenge against the Red Devils, who won their first meeting 2-1 in Paris. Don’t forget to check out the SBOTOP odds for that huge match once they come out.

Meanwhile, Leipzig will travel to Turkey to take on Istanbul Basaksehir, who were thumped 4-1 by United. Leipzig won their first meeting in Germany 2-0 thanks to a brace by wing-back Angelino.

 

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