NEYMAR SCORED THE decisive goal in a 2-1 home win for Paris Saint-Germain that leaves Liverpool on the brink of an early Champions League exit.
PSG led early in Wednesday’s crunch Group C clash when Juan Bernat capitalised on poor defending and the hosts doubled their advantage through a record-breaking Neymar goal.
His close-range finish on the rebound was Neymar’s 31st Champions League goal, moving him clear of Kaka as the most prolific Brazilian in the competition’s history.
James Milner scored a penalty on his 150th Liverpool appearance but Jurgen Klopp’s side could not find a crucial equaliser at the Parc des Princes and they must now beat pool leaders Napoli by two clear goals or 1-0 at Anfield on matchday six to progress.
Angel Di Maria forced an early save from Alisson and the goalkeeper was soon in action again, Neymar firing straight at his fellow Brazil international.
Alisson was beaten in the 13th minute, though, Bernat rifling into the bottom-left corner after seizing on a loose clearance from Virgil van Dijk.
Mohamed Salah fired wide before Marco Verratti was perhaps fortunate only to be booked for a high tackle on Joe Gomez.
PSG made it 2-0 as Neymar tucked in the rebound when Edinson Cavani’s poor finish was saved by Alisson after a rapid attack, but Liverpool got one back from the spot before the break. S
adio Mane went to ground under Di Maria’s challenge, referee Szymon Marciniak initially giving a corner before changing his mind, and Milner sent Gianluigi Buffon the wrong way.
Marquinhos had a third for PSG rightly ruled out for offside shortly after the restart and Roberto Firmino wasted a good headed chance for the visitors.
Klopp threw on attacking substitutes Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri in search of a leveller, but PSG held on to gain revenge for September’s dramatic 3-2 loss at Anfield.
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Great servant
Super player. Really underappreciated when he was at his best…. o how we could do with a 30 year old donacha now!!!
Brilliant player in his day. Was a match winner in many a game. Happy retirement
Yes great player and has been great for Cork. Can’t believe he and Kerrigan are still on the panel. Today’s result another embarrassment
@Ger Buckley: He never let the jersey down unlike many 15 years younger who are disgraceful
@Tim Brennan: disgraceful??? I’m not disagreeing that the result was bad but what will abusing the player’s get us?? Might make you feel better alright!!
Donnacha you are an absolute gentleman enjoyed refereeing you and enjoyed watching you as a fellow Duhallow man I want to thank you for all you have done for cork, Duhallow and Ballydesmond. A true great of the game of gaelic football. Best wishes o. Your retirement from the Intercounty game.
Can’t fault him really, the footballers coming through have either no bottle or simply are just not good enough so he’s better off to bow out with his name in tact. There’s surely 15 better footballers in the county than those put out today. Useless would be the understatement of the century
Legends like him deserve to go out on better terms. What a footballer.
Thanks for the memories.