UEFA Champions League
Neymar flops once again on disappointing Champions League night for PSG, but team still qualify
What happens when a team which relies on moments fails to capitalise on said moments?
From a position of strength in the second half, 1-0 up and in the driving seat in their Champions League group, PSG contrived to surrender their advantage and, by extension, the group.
From Mauricio Pochettino’s perspective, it largely hinged on one moment.
With 17 minutes remaining and the game locked level, Neymar collected the ball on the edge of the area. Slaloming his way through the Man City defence, he had the goal at his mercy.
His finish, however, was dragged wide of the post.
Less than two minutes later, City grabbed their winner.
The episode characterised Neymar’s season in the French capital. Whereas many expected him to thrive after the arrival of former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, he has cut a slightly awkward figure. Most damning is that a team which requires decisiveness in the final third is currently getting the opposite from the Brazilian.
PSG’s game plan on the evening mirrored their approach to the fixture at the Parc des Princes in September. Pochettino packed his midfield with athleticism – Ander Herrera replaced Marco Verratti in the starting lineup – before surrendering possession and tasking his star-studded attacking trio to go and win the match.
It was all going to plan for an hour. City created the majority of the goalscoring opportunities, but their pressure wasn’t incessant and there were periods in which PSG were able to take the sting out of the game without much resistance from Guardiola’s side.
However, when City responded through Sterling on the hour mark PSG didn’t really lose their composure. It was about as much as Pochettino could ask from his defensive unit given the instructions he had handed them pre-match, but they were let down by Neymar’s profligacy in that moment 17 minutes from time.
Perhaps he could be forgiven if this was merely an off-night, but it marked the fourth Champions League game this term that Neymar has provided neither an assist or a goal. In a group including Club Brugge and an RB Leipzig side struggling for form, it makes for dismal reading.
His domestic form barely offers a note of encouragement either. Three goals and as many assists in nine starts doesn’t cut it in a dominant PSG side. Many will underline the fact the Parisiens have flattered to deceive in Ligue 1 this term, but Neymar’s contributions – or lack of – is part of that.
When compared to Kylian Mbappe’s numbers, you would be forgiven for believing Neymar was a bit-part squad member. The Frenchman has registered 12 assists this season, with eight goals to boot in all competitions. He is averaging a goal involvement roughly every 59 minutes on the pitch.
There’s only one football on the pitch, you might say, which renders it largely impossible for each of PSG’s front three to post extraordinary numbers. But it’s been Mbappe’s decisiveness which has marked him out. This is also a player who believed he was leaving PSG with just a week left in the transfer window last summer.
Of course, there could be mitigating circumstances. Neymar missed the opening three games of the season through injury, and his performances hint at a player carrying either mental or physical baggage.
But at present, it’s difficult to defend Neymar’s contributions. In fact, it’s difficult to justify his place in the team at all.
-90min
UEFA Champions League
TikTokers spend 27 hours in stadium toilet to watch Champions League final for free
A pair of Belgian TikTokers say they spent 27 hours in an Allianz Arena toilet last weekend before watching Paris St Germain beat Inter Milan in the Champions League final for free.
Neal Remmerie and Senne Haverbeke told VRT News they managed to get into the Munich stadium the day before the match and hid in a toilet cubicle.
After sticking a homemade “Out of Order” sign on the door, the pair waited in silence for more than a day as stadium staff used the facility.
“We had a backpack with snacks and we played around on our phones to kill time,” Remmerie told the Belgian public broadcaster.
“The lights were on all the time and the sitting position was uncomfortable, so sleeping was almost impossible. That made it physically and mentally difficult.”
Once they heard fans starting to use the toilets on matchday, the pair left their bolthole and made their way past ticket inspectors to join the 86,600 crowd in the stands.
“We looked carefully at which security guard was paying the least attention. While on the phone and with food in our hands, we just walked on, and suddenly we were inside,” Remmerie added.
“PSG won 5-0 and we were also in the supporters’ section of the winning team. It was the most beautiful football match we have ever seen.”
The Allianz Arena and UEFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Those fans who made their way into the match more conventionally had to pay anywhere from 90 to 950 euros ($100-$1,100) for their tickets.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
UEFA Champions League
How Heineken Scored a Five-Star UEFA Champions League Experience for Nigerian Fans
Indeed, it was an evening where football merged with lifestyle. Nigerian music stars Fido and Wande Coal brought their A-game, performing crowd favourites that had fans singing along and dancing well into the night.
Their live performances added vibrant colour to an already electrifying evening, keeping the energy alive after the final whistle.
Hard core fans cut across gender, as displayed by the ladies during the Heineken Watch Party in at the Lagos Continental Hotel last Saturday
Adding star power to the experience was ex-Super Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa, who mingled freely with guests, posed for pictures, and shared expert insight on the game, delighting fans with his presence and personal touch.
“This year’s UEFA Champions League final is not just a match—it’s a cultural moment,” said Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries. “We’re blending world-class football with unforgettable lifestyle experiences. Through our activities, we’re celebrating the real hardcore fans—the ones who make the game magical from wherever they are.”
Shadeko added that Heineken’s goal is to ensure Nigerian fans feel seen and celebrated. “They may not be in Munich, but they’re just as important to the spirit of the game. That’s why we go all out—every year—to make this night one to remember.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The roar of the crowd, the thrill of every shot, and the ultimate victory! Last Saturday night, Pepsi brought the UEFA Champions League 2025 final to life at the Pepsi GoalFest 2025, where PSG dominated Inter Milan in a stunning 5-0 victory, setting a new record for goals in a final.
The Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos was completely transformed into an electrifying arena, with a dominant wave of the iconic Pepsi blue.
Football fanatics experienced passion like never before. Inside and around the venue, fans engaged in thrilling football-themed games, moved to the beats of electrifying music, and stayed refreshed with Pepsi.
The energy soared as Dj Yk Mule, Mayorkun, and Do2tun delivered show-stopping performances, all powered by Pepsi.
It wasn’t just a game; it was an immersive celebration of football, an unforgettable night where every cheer, every goal, and every moment was refreshed by Pepsi!
WAFCON 2024: Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin ‘La Decima’ quest with Tunisian clash
Supporters Club Mourns Peter Rufai: “Another Big Tree Has Fallen,” Says Rafiu Ladipo
WAFCON 2024: Morocco Held to Thrilling 2-2 Draw by Zambia in Opening Match
- OBITUARY3 days ago
BREAKING: Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai is dead
- Nigerian Football2 days ago
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
- WAFCON1 week ago
Super Falcons Land in Morocco, Eye Historic ‘La Decima’ Women’s AFCON Title
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Kwara United Clinch Historic First Title as President Federation Cup Final Goes to Penalties for the 18th time
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Rivers Angels Crowned 2025 Female Federation Cup Champions After Penalty Shootout Thriller
- OBITUARY3 days ago
Peter Rufai looked lean when I last saw him, says mourning NFF President, Gusau
- OBITUARY2 days ago
Family issues statement on Peter Rufai
- IMMEMORIAL2 days ago
Peter Rufai’s Death Adds to Long List of July Tragedies in Nigerian Football