It took Paris Saint-Germain only a couple of minutes to rise from a goal down to beat Maccabi Haifa with three goals from their big three.
Once again, PSG’s defense appeared vulnerable in the first half, with their Israeli opponents doing well in squeezing space for the superstar opposition in attack and hitting on the counter-attack.
Tjarron Chery scored the game’s first goal after 27 minutes, volleying home Dolev Hazizia’s pinpoint cross with an outstretched left leg.
The lead lasted until eight minutes before halftime when Kylian Mbappe beat his man before drilling a ball into the six-yard box, where Lionel Messi controlled his thigh and slotted home.
Mbappe scored the game-winning goal midway through the second half, racing onto Messi’s through-ball and finishing with trademark precision inside the far corner.
With two minutes remaining, Neymar latched onto a long pass from Marco Veratti and drilled home a low shot to seal the win.
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Discussion Point
Galtier faces the same dilemma as his predecessors: they are always entertaining to watch, as evidenced by nine consecutive away games with at least three goals. But the question remains: can you win a tournament while carrying three passengers? PSG’s back seven abounds with talent, but no matter who plays, they appear capable of conceding multiple goals. And how much would removing Neymar and replacing him with an extra midfielder help this situation? We won’t be able to find out, unfortunately.
Match Highlights
MACCABI’S 24′ GOAL!
I had a stunning break from Hazizia’s cross from the right flank. I didn’t have a much better finish.
MACCABI’S 33′ GOAL
He defied marquinhos’ challenge before lifting the ball over the keeper. The attempt was in vain, however, since he was just offside.
PSG SCORES IN 37′!
Messi scores for the visitors. He played a wide ball for Mbappe, who skinned the full-back before lasering a low ball into the six-yard box that deflected to Messi, who controlled on his thigh and slotted home.
PSG GOAL IN 69′!
A standard PSG goal. A beautiful through-ball from Messi to the quick-footed Mbappe, who opens his body and gives the keeper no chance, shooting into the far corner.
PSG GOAL IN 88′!
Neymar latches onto a long ball from Verrati and brings it down before drilling low with his left foot for Maccabi Haifa.
Key States
30 – Mbappe has matched Edison Cavani’s tally of 30 Champions League goals for the club, the most by any PSG player.
Ratings Of Players
Maccabi Cohen (6), Sundgren (6), Batubinsika (6), Goldberg (6), Cornud (7), Chery (7), Lavi (6), Abu Fani (6), Atzili (6), Pierrot (7), Haziza (6)
Seck, David, Rukavytsya, and Tchibota are the substitutes.
PSG: Donnarumma (6), Ramos (6), Marquinhos (6), Danilo (6), Mukiele (6), Verratti (6), Vitinha (6), Mendes (6), Messi (8), Mbappe (7), Neymar (7).
Substitutes: Ruiz 6, Hakimi 6, Soler 6.
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Man Of The Match
Lionel Messi (PSG): This will be his 65th Champions League man of the match award, following one last weekend in Ligue 1. There are times when you think the old Messi would have done better with a shot at goal or beating the previous man, but unlike Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Messi looks dangerous whenever the ball is at his feet. The basic stats of a goal and an assist demonstrate his significance, but there was much more to him.