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Xavi backs Neymar’s PSG to trump Real Madrid in second leg

The Spaniard Xavi has backed Neymar and company to knock out Real Madrid from the Champions League when they face off in the second leg at Parc des Princes on March 6.

Barcelona legend Xavi

Bengaluru, February 21: While Real Madrid did come out of the first leg with a huge advantage at Santiago Bernabeu, the Champions League holders will be wary of the away goal scored by Paris-Saint Germain, feels Barcelona legend Xavi.

The Spaniard has backed Neymar and company to knock out Real Madrid from the Champions League when they face off in the second leg at Parc des Princes on March 6.

Big players are expected to step up in big matches and although Cristiano proved his worth with a brace against Paris-Saint Germain, Xavi didn’t feel it was enough.

Recently, Xavi dismissed the Real Madrid star's performance as he defended Neymar's display in PSG’s loss and now has gone on to back Unai Emery to pull off an unlikely 'remontada’ against Real Madrid.



Incidentally, similar was the situation with Barcelona last season, who suffered a heavy 4-0 loss away to PSG. But it was Neymar who inspired the team to a sensational 6-1 comeback win with his hat-trick at the Camp Nou, and Xavi feels that the Brazilian can do that again.

In an interview with So Foot, Xavi was confident that coach Unai Emery and his men can turn the tie around.

"Real got a bit lucky in the first leg," Xavi said. "However, they made their own luck. So, I say that if PSG can show character in the second leg, they can do it.

"A two-goal deficit is not insurmountable, and a lot of things can happen over 90 minutes. As far as I am concerned, PSG have the mentality to succeed and turn the tide.

"Dani [Alves], [Marco] Verratti, [Angel] Di Maria... I mean, come on, Di Maria did not get to play a single minute!

"It is inexplicable. Real did not really play, yet they won. Once again, PSG needed to kill the match when they had the chance”, he said.

Although mentioning the inexplicable loss to Barcelona last season, Xavi insisted PSG players have moved on from the haunting memories.

"I do not think that the PSG players thought back to the 6-1," the 38-year-old said. "I thought that they played with a lot of personality.

"Did PSG play badly? No. Were Real awful? Not really. The difference between the two is that Real were able to win, even when they were not at their very best."


Although making big money summer signings like Neymar and Mbappe, PSG’s Champions League voodoo still seems to continue as Unai Emery faces flak for his performance in Europe’s elite competition.
Story first published: Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 10:54 [IST]
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