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regular-article-logo Wednesday, 15 May 2024

Paris Saint-Germain trio tear apart Maccabi Haifa

Messi now has 129 Champions League goals and, despite being 35, looks set to keep scoring

Reuters Paris Published 27.10.22, 03:28 AM
Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (right) celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring his side’s third goal during the Champions League Group H match against Maccabi Haifa in Paris on Tuesday

Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar (right) celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring his side’s third goal during the Champions League Group H match against Maccabi Haifa in Paris on Tuesday AP/PTI

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier watched Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar run amok against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League on Tuesday and admitted he was a lucky to have the trio at his command. Messi scored twice, as did Mbappe, while Neymar was also on target in the 7-2 win that ensured PSG moved into the last-16 of the Champions League from Group H.

Argentine Messi now has 129 Champions League goals and, despite being 35, looks set to keep scoring, especially with Mbappe and Neymar alongside him in a 4-3-3 formation. “I saw the players enjoy themselves, and that’s very important,” Galtier said.

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“I had to think about how our fantastic three players up front could express themselves as best as possible and that the system could be very important.

“It’s very pleasant to train them, to see them play every day. For a coach, it’s paradise.” Messi and Mbappe also ended with two assists each, while Neymar’s dribble forced an own goal by Sean Goldberg as the trio proved unplayable at times. “I had a front-row seat to watch them tonight (Tuesday),” PSG midfielder Vitinha said. “We’re all impressed because they do things that others can’t.”

Ancelotti unhappy

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said they must improve their defending at set pieces after conceding twice at corner kicks in 3-2 defeat by RB Leipzig. Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku put Leipzig 2-0 up after 18 minutes in Germany after Madrid failed to deal with corners, as the Spaniards suffered their first defeat of the season.

“We weren’t paying attention to the ball and then we conceded two goals, which we’re usually much more convincing at doing,” Ancelotti told reporters. “I haven’t seen a lack of intensity or attitude. Sooner or later a defeat had to come, I’ve said it before.”

Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0 with already-qualified Manchester City to book their spot in the knockout stage with a game to spare. The result made sure that City, who missed a second-half penalty and are on 11 points, will top Group G while Dortmund, on eight, punched the second qualifying ticket, locking down second spot ahead of third-placed Sevilla, who have five points. AC Milan revived their hopes of reaching the last-16with a 4-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb in Group E. Milan’s victory also means Chelsea progress to the last-16 as group winners after their 2-1 win away to Salzburg.

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