On PSG's chances of beating Real in the return leg on March 6, he said: "I think it is difficult, but nothing is impossible. Last year I was in a much worse situation and we managed to get through. I hope we will be able to play better." PSG coach Unai Emery, who has never been further than the Champions League round of 16 in five previous attempts, gambled with a young lineup, starting with 21-year-old Argentinian midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and 22-year-old defender Presnel Kimpembe. But it was the Spaniard's decision to withdraw the club's all-time top scorer Edinson Cavani with half an hour to go that potentially cost him dear.“Flicks and tricks with no substance.”
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 15, 2018
It wasn't the return to Spain Neymar was hoping for: https://t.co/gBbaHwGLqO pic.twitter.com/fI77lir7lL
With PSG's attacking edge lost, Real clawed their way back into the game. The Paris side's Qatari backers stuck with Emery last season despite a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Barcelona in the last 16, but they are unlikely to show the same patience if the second most expensive squad in history fails to overcome Real. "The team played well and deserved better," Emery said. "We have to be optimistic and positive for the match in Paris. We still have a good chance of getting through."Nothing but respect between Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. ? #UCL pic.twitter.com/kntH9tBFGQ
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 14, 2018
The referee 'bottled' sending Neymar off for diving in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League defeat by Real Madrid, claims Michael Owen https://t.co/M5aF2vB6Af pic.twitter.com/lxFkpHmyJe
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) February 15, 2018