90min

Neymar Sets Sights on Champions League Glory Following Dramatic Atalanta Victory

By James Cormack

Neymar spearheaded PSG's progression into the last four of the Champions League
Neymar spearheaded PSG's progression into the last four of the Champions League / David Ramos/Getty Images
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Neymar has insisted that his sights are set on achieving Champions League glory in Lisbon this month, after spearheading Paris Saint-Germain's dramatic late comeback against Atalanta on Wednesday night.

A superbly-taken Mario Pasalic strike handed an impressive La Dea the lead in the first half and following plenty of squandered opportunities, it appeared PSG's inferiority complex in regards to the bright lights of the European stage was rearing its ugly head once more.

Neymar scrappily set up Marquinhos' late leveller
Neymar scrappily set up Marquinhos' late leveller / David Ramos/Getty Images

But just as they did to overturn a first-leg deficit in the round of 16 against Borussia Dortmund, Les Parisiens overcame the mental barrier to turn a 1-0 disadvantage into an eventual 2-1 triumph thanks to goals from Marquinhos and substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the space of three dramatic late second-half minutes.

Superstar Neymar was destined to be the scapegoat for PSG's potential exit after missing a pair of glorious chances in the opening period, despite a superb display overall.

The Brazilian redeemed himself by setting up his compatriot to restore parity before playing a huge role in the game's winner; sliding Kylian Mbappe in behind with an expertly weighted through ball before the Frenchman crossed for a welcoming Choupo-Moting.

“It was a great night, very difficult, against a great team who have played well all season. We are very happy with what we did. We also had a great game. Now we will have to rest. It's a game that has worn out a lot mentally," he said, speaking post-match to Canal Supporters.

The introduction of Kylian Mbappe on the hour mark went a long way to PSG completing the late turnaround
The introduction of Kylian Mbappe on the hour mark went a long way to PSG completing the late turnaround / David Ramos/Getty Images

“No, I never thought of that [exiting the competition]. Since the warm-up, we thought about qualifying for the semi-finals and no one is going to take my mind off my desire to go to the final. We have crossed this threshold. There is another very important one that is going to happen, very complicated and difficult. I hope we will go to the final.

“My desire to win the Champions League was there long before that match. It never left. There is one game left for the final, so we will give everything and do everything to win," the Brazilian superstar added.