The associate artists of Paris Saint-Germain danced on Maccabi Haifa (7-2) and ensured their qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes. Goals for each of the members of the MNM, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, wrapped strikes, delicious passes: Christophe Galtier’s team entertained as on its best days in August. An own goal from Sean Goldberg, provoked by Neymar, and the first Parisian goal from Carlos Soler completed the show.
A victory that feels good
This great victory is good for PSG, at a time when the backstage is buzzing. Forgotten for 90 minutes the moods and the 630 million euros gross of Mbappé, the “digital army” trolling the opponents of PSG, the rumors around President Nasser al-Khelaïfi …
The PSG has especially ensured its eleventh qualification in a row for the 8th finals. Paris will play for first place in the group on the last day, with Benfica, who also have 11 points after beating Juventus (4-3). PSG go to Turin and the Lisbon eagle to Haifa.
Breathe joy
For this trip, the Galtier team has regained certainty, after a month and a half less convincing in the game, with its biggest card since 7-1 in Lille on August 21.
The four-man defense and the diamond-shaped midfield, arranged for the third time in a row, worked well. Renato Sanches in low point found some juice, after his injuries, and Neymar, at the top of the diamond to animate the game, shone with all his brilliance. His delicious first pass behind the heel, on Mbappé’s first goal, raised a roar from the Parc des Princes.
The day before, Galtier had spoken of the happiness necessary for his “three world-class players”: “to be successful they must be happy, to be happy they must play in their register”. They breathed joy.
Neymar Mbappé deal
Mbappé scored with a curling shot after an action where he sought to score Neymar, once again taking advantage of an unfortunate counter from the Greens, Mohammad Abu Fani.
The technical agreement on the ground between “Ney” and “Kyky” warms the atmosphere, after the slight cold between the two stars. Finally the three artists co-signed the 3-0 goal: a brilliant pass from Messi, an arching strike from Neymar and a splendid cross call from Mbappé to board the defense.
For the party to be complete, Presnel Kimpembe came into play, in place of Marquinhos, after a month of injury, and the very young promise Warren Zaire-Emery (16), discovered the Champions League, instead. de Vitinha, both changes made in the 79th minute.
A valiant Maccabi
Overwhelmed by so much talent, Maccabi replied with a double header from Abdoulaye Seck (38th, 50th). Maccabi have never given up, confirming the adage that it takes two great teams for an exciting game. The Israeli club will play its place in the Europa League at a distance with Juve. Both teams have 3 points.
The noisy green colony, which largely overflowed the quarter turn reserved for visitors, also poured its share, singing the whole meeting. His wall of smoke even interrupted the match for two minutes at the very start of the match. But then the fireworks were on the ground.