PSG star Neymar looking forward to ‘special’ Real Madrid return after fond memories from Barcelona days
NEYMAR says returning to the Bernabeu will be ‘special’ for him and Lionel Messi. The former Barcelona duo will be hoping to add to PSG’s 1-0 lead as they return to Real Madrid sporting a different kind of red and blue. And the Brazilian star wants to add to his fond memories of playing at […]
NEYMAR says returning to the Bernabeu will be ‘special’ for him and Lionel Messi.
The former Barcelona duo will be hoping to add to PSG’s 1-0 lead as they return to Real Madrid sporting a different kind of red and blue.
And the Brazilian star wants to add to his fond memories of playing at the Bernabeu after regularly coming out on top for Barca.
Neymar, 30, said: “It’s a special match for me and Messi obviously.
“I have a lot of memories. I played here often, scored goals and made assists.
“Playing Real in the Champions League is special. I am really happy to be here, with the ambition to make history and bring PSG where it needs to be.
“The final is in Paris and for us, that’s incredible. We have been working on this for a long time and this is another step to take.”
PSG lead thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s 94th-minute winner three weeks ago, but the Frenchman faces a late fitness test after his foot was stamped on by team-mate Idrissa Gueye.
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And boss Mauricio Pochettino added: “It is our responsibility to maintain the result, but we are not afraid.
“The best way to score for a team like PSG is to attack and dominate.”
A Bernabeu return should be just the place for Lionel Messi to prove his star is not fading.
Because PSG’s shock 1-0 defeat at Nice last Saturday included something we have not seen in 12 years.
The Argentinean maestro was aged 22 when he last failed to register a single shot in a league match, for Barcelona in 2009/10.
But, as questions intensify over whether he is starting to lose his sparkle, Messi equalled that unwanted record just four days ago.
Now he is back to where he turned it on like nobody else – Real Madrid’s backyard.
If Mbappe only makes the bench, it will be down to Messi and Neymar to keep the Parisians’ as yet unfulfilled obsession with winning the Champions League alive.
Messi has succeeded in tormenting Real Madrid fans time and time again – with Wednesday night potentially his last ever chance to stick it to Los Blancos.
His league record this season since moving to PSG from Barca of two goals in 17 appearances is worrying.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner does have five goals from six games in Europe, but he saw a crucial penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois in the first leg.
Yet if there is one stadium other than the Nou Camp where Messi can rely on thriving amid magical memories, it is the Bernabeu.
His first, and second, goals there came in an historic 6-2 demolition in 2009 which still haunts Real fans.
The best Real Madrid can compete with the best Paris
Carlo Ancelotti
He then scored in his next four visits, with that five-game streak still unmatched by an opposition player.
In total, Messi has scored 15 goals – including three doubles and a hat-trick – and bagged eight assists, making the Bernabeu his most fruitful away ground.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “The 1-0 defeat hurt us.
“However, we know that the best Real Madrid can compete with the best Paris, and hopefully we’ll see the best Real Madrid.”
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