Neymar inspires PSG turnaround
Paris St Germain set their Champions League previous-16 traumas behind them as they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Wednesday to attain the quarter-finals, although zero fans were found in the stadium to witness the achievement.
Neymar and Juan Bernat scored before halftime to secure a good 3-2 aggregate get for PSG after a game played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus, which includes infected 2,281 people and killed 48 found in France.
The effect eased painful memories of 2017, when PSG were eliminated 6-5 on aggregate by Barcelona immediately after letting slip a 4-0 advantage, and of last season if they lost to Manchester United in away goals immediately after a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
The French champions reached the previous eight for the very first time since 2016 as Dortmund finished with 10 men following Emre Can's sending-off in the dying a few minutes.
Over 3,000 ultra fans gathered close to the Parc des Princes before kickoff after being granted authorisation by the authorities - demonstrations being considered an exemption to the ban of gatherings of more than 1,000 as French authorities make an effort to contain the coronavirus, which includes infected 2,281 persons and killed 48.
They lit firework and their chants could be overheard in the stadium before, during, and following the video game as the players went to the most notable of the Auteuil stand to cheer with them.
"Our only virus is Paris SG," a banner found in the empty arena reading.
"It was an ideal game," stated centre back again Marquinhos, who with Presnel Kimpembe marshalled the PSG defence.
"We now have to keep carefully the same mindset for the remainder of your competition."
PSG were without captain Thiago Silva, who hadn't fully recovered from a good hamstring injury, while Kylian Mbappe started on the bench after experiencing a sore throat.
The French side dominated possession and had the first clear chance when Edinson Cavani's cross shot from Di Maria's through ball was deflected by keeper Roman Buerki.
Neymar set the hosts ahead found in the 28th minute as he headed residence Angel Di Maria's no cost kick for his 35th goal in 57 matches, making his occurrence count after missing the go back leg against United through harm last season.
Bernat doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime by flicking Sarabia's attempt former Buerki.
PSG pressed high following the break while Erling Haaland, who scored a twice in the initially leg, never looked more likely to add to his 10 Champions League goals this season.
Thorgan Hazard and Axel Witsel built method for Julian Brandt and Giovanni Reyna seeing that Dortmund mentor Lucien Favre looked to freshen up his attacking brand and PSG were suddenly on the back foot.
A good brawl erupted two moments from time after May fouled Neymar and pushed the Brazilian to the bottom.
Can was sent off even while Di Maria found a yellow card this means the Argentine will come to be suspended for the initial leg of PSG's quarter-final.
