NEYMAR scored a crucial early goal as he and Juan Bernat helped Paris Saint-Germain dump Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League.
The Brazilian star then lead fans – who were not allowed into the ground amid fears over coronavirus – in raucous celebrations from a balcony of the Parc des Princes.
Neymar and Kylian Mbappe lead raucous celebrations after PSG beat Borussia DortmundCredit: AFP or licensors
Thousands of fans gathered outside the Parc des Princes – but were not allowed inside amid fears over coronavirusCredit: Handout – Getty
The Brazilian forward got PSG off to the perfect start as they battled to overturn the 2-1 first-leg deficit.
Neymar nodded home a 29th-minute corner from Angel Di Maria’s to level the tie at 2-2 – and put his side ahead on away goals.
To rub salt into the wound, he mocked Erling Haaland’s celebration from the first-leg, by sitting on the pitch and pretending to meditate.
Clearly in a playful mood, Neymar had already applauded to the empty stadium ahead of the game.
Juan Bernat doubled the hosts’ lead on the stroke of half-time as he scored a composed goal into the left-corner of the net.
Kylian Mbappe – fresh from his coronavirus test after suffering a bout of angina – came off the bench after 67 minutes in a bid to help his side over the line.
Dortmund knew they needed just one goal to force extra-time.
And they threw on Gio Reyna, Julian Brandt and Mario Gotze late on in a bid to snatch that all-important goal.
Neymar gave PSG a crucial lead with a low strikeCredit: Getty
Neymar celebrated wildly in front of an empty stadium after his openerCredit: Getty
Juan Bernat made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-timeCredit: Reuters
But former Liverpool and Juventus star Emre Can made it difficult for them after he was shown a straight red for shoving Neymar with one minute left of normal time.
The Brazilian himself was booked for his part in the dramatic finale along with Marquinhos and Di Maria – who wasn’t even on the pitch at the time.
Ultimately, the ten men were unable to break down a stubborn PSG, as Neymar and Co booked their spot in the last-eight.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk