Just too hot to handle
Rampaging Parisians prove a handful for hapless Germans
PARIS: Just as Bayern Munich were about to kick off at the Parc des Princes, Paris St Germain’s hardcore fans unfurled a huge banner.
“Tomorrow Europe will be red and blue,” it read, referring to PSG’s traditional colours.
It’s big prediction. But if the Parisians can unleash the same attacking might they showed in a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, that prediction might not be so unrealistic.
PSG had already won big matches against some of Europe’s finest teams in the past.
Last season, they defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the last 16, only to lose 6-1 in Spain after the hosts produced one of the greatest comebacks of all time.
But that was before the devastating trident of Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar was assembled with the seemingly unlimited funds provided by the club’s Qatari owners – with the objective of winning Europe’s top competition.
“They are very, very strong,” Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
“To stop Mbappe and Neymar is difficult. “When they have space to show their qualities, they are difficult to control.” On Wednesday, they were unstoppable on the break and carved open the five-time champions to take command of Group B with goals from Dani Alves, Cavani and Neymar.
“Our goal is to finish first in this group,” PSG coach Unai Emery said. “PSG are growing little by little, and all the other teams now think we are a big rivals.
“We will try to keep this level and be something more important in football.
“We want to be Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich. And I think today we are at their level.”
Mbappe, who was hired alongside Neymar this summer, did not score but tormented the Bayern defence throughout with his dribbling ability and frenetic pace. He was decisive in setting up Neymar’s goal.
After scoring eight goals without conceding in their first two matches, PSG lead the group with six points, with Bayern and Celtic tied for second place with three points.
Celtic won 3-0 at Anderlecht in the group’s other match on Wednesday. — AP