Paris Saint-Germain vs RB Leipzig Player Ratings: 8/10 duo Neymar, Navas influential; Forsberg gets 4

Neymar and Keylor Navas were the top performers as Paris Saint-Germain registered a 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League alive with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

It was always going to be a cagey affair, as we had predicted. But, the hosts did get an early advantage as Marcel Sabitzer’s foul on Angel Di Maria led to a penalty, which was calmly converted by Neymar in the 11th minute. The goal gave PSG the incentive to adopt a more conservative approach in dealing with the high-intensity press of Leipzig.

The Bundesliga giants did well to prevent PSG from dominating the game. However, they lacked the cutting edge going forward, notably missing a couple of opportunities. Thomas Tuchel’s men do deserve credit for defending well though, especially during the final phase of the game as the defenders put their bodies on the lines to preserve their side’s slender one-goal advantage.

Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the two sides following this important Group H tie at Parc des Princes this midweek.

Paris Saint-Germain

Keylor Navas: 8/10

Keylor Navas did well to tip Dayot Upamecano’s header just over the bar, preventing Leipzig from finding the equaliser. The Costa Rican was much better in goal compared to his performance in the reverse fixture.

Alessandro Florenzi: 6.5/10

Alessandro Florenzi did a good job of containing the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Angelino on the right flank, which is enough to justify his lack of offensive output.

Marquinhos: 7/10

Marquinhos’s presence in the backline was critical behind PSG’s clean sheet. The Brazilian used his experience to deal with the threat and marshalled the backline throughout the course of the game.

Abdou Diallo: 7/10

Abdou Diallo did well to replace the suspended Presnel Kimpembe. He provided ample defensive support to Marquinhos, ultimately helping PSG keep Leipzig at bay.

Mitchell Bakker: 5/10

It was great to see Mitchell Bakker starting ahead of Layvin Kurzawa at left-back. Unfortunately, it was a difficult game for him as the youngster did not provide too much quality on the left flank.

Ander Herrera: 5/10

It was not an ideal performance from Ander Herrera, who failed to impose himself in midfield. The Spaniard also struggled to provide the solidity in the second line of press, ultimately getting subbed off late in the game.

Danilo Pereira: 6/10

Danilo Pereira interchanged positions with Marquinhos, in what turned out to be a masterstroke from Thomas Tuchel. But while the Brazilian did his part, Danilo could have done a little better in offering better protection to the backline.

Leandro Paredes: 4/10

Another PSG midfielder who struggled in dealing with the Leipzig press and intensity, Leandro Paredes should have done a much better job in providing the solidity in the middle of the park.

Angel Di Maria: 6.5/10

Angel Di Maria used his intelligence to win a soft penalty early in the game, giving his side an ideal advantage. That was the only highlight of the Argentine’s performance against Leipzig, however.

Neymar: 8/10

A well-taken penalty that led to the opener, Neymar was simply the best performer for PSG in this game. The Brazilian looked sharp and made life difficult for the Leipzig defenders with his deceptive runs and a change of pace. Joint best performer of the match alongside Navas.

Kylian Mbappe: 6/10

Kylian Mbappe was perhaps hoping for a more eventful game, but it was difficult for him to make an impact as Leipzig had the lion’s share of possession. Made good movements, but the penetration was lacking.

SUBSTITUTES

Rafinha: 6/10

Replaced Di Maria just around the hour mark, providing a better defensive balance to the side. Had one late effort on goal, but nothing apart from that.

Marco Verratti: N/A

Made his return from injury when he replaced Herrera in the 83rd minute. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Pablo Sarabia: N/A

A late replacement for Neymar. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Moise Kean: N/A

A late replacement for Mbappe. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

RB Leipzig

Peter Gulacsi: 6/10

Peter Gulacsi made just one late save to deny Rafinha Alcantara from finding the back of the net. The RB Leipzig ‘keeper dived the right way but could not stop Neymar’s penalty.

Nordi Mukiele: 6/10

Nordi Mukiele recovered in time to make a surprising start. He did a decent job as well, keeping Mbappe at bay for large parts of the game before eventually making way for Orban in the second half.

Ibrahima Konate: 7/10

Ibrahima Konate had a productive night as the centre-back used his massive frame to prevent PSG from creating too many chances in the final third.

Dayot Upamecano: 6/10

Dayot Upamecano was culpable for providing a careless pass that was intercepted by PSG as the move eventually led to the penalty. Improved from thereon out, but he clearly needs to improve following a bunch of disappointing performances this season.

Angelino: 6.5/10

One of the most in-form players heading into this game, Angelino struggled to make the desired impact from the left flank against PSG. The Spaniard lacked the inventiveness going forward.

Amadou Haidara: 7/10

Amadou Haidara was decent in providing Leipzig with more power and tenacity in the middle third of the pitch. He also posed a threat from range, but one of his efforts were saved by Navas.

Marcel Sabitzer: 6.5/10

Conceded a soft penalty that killed Leipzig’s chances of sealing anything from this game. The Austrian international, however, played a key role in propelling the Leipzig attacks as the game progressed.

Dani Olmo: 7/10

Dani Olmo produced a bright display in the final third, making life difficult for young Bakker. He most notably provided one excellent cross that led to a great chance for Emil Forsberg.

Emil Forsberg: 4/10

Forsberg was completely wasteful in front of goal. The Swede failed to capitalise on Olmo’s cross in the first-half before squandering another chance in the second half. His lack of productivity cost his team all three points.

Christopher Nkunku: 6.5/10

Christopher Nkunku wasn’t as influential as he was in the reverse fixture. However, the Frenchman did try to make things happen in the final third even though chances came only at a premium.

Yussuf Poulsen: 6.5/10

Yussuf Poulsen offered the physical presence inside the box and the Dane was impressive with his hold-up play as usual. Failed to meet a dangerous cross in the second half.

SUBSTITUTES

Willi Orban: 6/10

Replaced Mukiele around the hour-mark, providing more solidity to the Leipzig backline.

Justin Kluivert: 6/10

Came on for Olmo in the 64th minute, but could not make an impact going forward.

Alexander Sorloth: 6.5/10

Offered more hard-work and industry after replacing Forsberg during the final phase of the game.