Neymar returned to PSG for the first time this season on Saturday after a long injury layoff and nearly endless transfer drama. The Parisian fans jeered him relentlessly and viciously, angry he tried to leave. The response was an unbelievable Neymar bicycle kick in the 92nd minute to give PSG a 1-0 win over Strasbourg.
Neymar has been the target of derision from PSG fans for trying to force a move back to Barcelona. No move ever materialized, and Neymar returned from injury with Brazil over the recent international break.
Back with PSG, Neymar was Public Enemy No. 1, with the Paris mayor even weighing in, asking the Brazilian to “come back to Earth” and help the club win the Champions League.
Fans were a bit less forgiving, jeering Neymar from the start. Fans booed and had some choice hand gestures when the No. 10 was announced in the starting lineup. PSG fans sang songs for Edinson Cavani (who with Kylian Mbappé was out injured) when Neymar got the ball and booed his every touch. Broadcaster beIN SPORTS followed Neymar with an “Iso Cam” throughout the match as he was clearly under immense scrutiny.
Inside the Virage Auteuil today. Reaction to Neymar. Hostile! #PSGRCSA pic.twitter.com/NZj0Pn0KKY
— Lee Davey (@leedavey99) September 14, 2019
“Neymar Senior go and sell your son in Vila Mimosa”
It is an area of Rio known for prostitution.... pic.twitter.com/MLsDdYFgN3— Reliquias Brasileiras (@reliquiasbr) September 14, 2019
Neymar is starting for PSG today and the whole PSG crowd is chanting "Neymar hijo da puta" which translates to "Neymar, you son of a bitch." Savage fanbase. pic.twitter.com/05qW1iR5Gi
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) September 14, 2019
That last banner reads: “20 millions euros to go back to Messi. No bitch in Paris.”
But Neymar persevered.
Lively and active throughout, the Brazilian was full of his usual tricks and flair.
Neymar nearly scored on an Olimpico in the 85th minute, but his attempt ricocheted off the crossbar and onto the hand of a Strasbourg defender. VAR decided it wasn’t enough to award a penalty kick — an interesting decision to say the least.
PSG finally broke through in the 92nd minute with this incredible Neymar bicycle kick.
NEYMAR.
IS.
BACK.Unbelievable goal from @neymarjr breaks the deadlock in stoppage time. #PSGRSCA pic.twitter.com/A8T25e3mIO— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) September 14, 2019
That’s how you win back the fans, who you’ll notice had no choice but to cheer the goal.
Neymar Bicycle Kick Goal vs. Strasbourg All Angles
Neymar scored a second goal moments later, but it was ruled out for Angel Di Maria being called offside by VAR in the buildup. But the bicycle kick goal was enough.
In addition to Neymar’s return, Keylor Navas made his PSG debut and made three big saves to keep his side in it, including this one.
Check out Keylor Navas's first big save with PSG: pic.twitter.com/mWCMpLSLc3
— The Tico Times (@TheTicoTimes) September 14, 2019
Mauro Icardi also debuted for PSG as a second-half sub and had a couple good looks at goal but couldn’t convert.
PSG now prepares to host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
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