Neymar had a night to forget as Paris Saint-Germain were dug out of a hole by Kylian Mbappe in a 2-1 victory over Strasbourg on Wednesday night.
The two superstar forwards were both returning to domestic action after the World Cup, with Argentina’s Lionel Messi still absent following his nation’s triumph.
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Brazil forward Neymar gave his team a mountain to climb after being shown a second yellow card for diving.
The 30-year-old had already been booked for a foul moments earlier, and got his marching orders for simulation inside the opposition penalty area in the 62nd minute.
With the game level at 1-1 after PSG defender Marquinhos scored at both ends, the French champions refused to lie down.
Christophe Galtier’s side were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time and Mbappe stepped up to convert.
The France star picked up where he left off in Qatar after scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup final defeat to Argentina, along with his penalty in the shootout.
After a speedier-than-expected return to domestic action, PSG boss Galtier was full of praise for Mbappe. He said: “I think he is on the level of what he did in Qatar.
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“He’s benefited from a few days off. Despite the sadness, he had an exceptional tournament, and his recovery means he’s been on the pace.
“Since his return, he was determined to play our next two matches. He was the trigger for victory when it was tough. He has taught the whole team with his selflessness.”
Neymar also experienced heartbreak in Qatar as Brazil were dumped out by Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Galtier said: “As much as I can understand the simulation, he deserves the yellow [card], a few minutes before he suffers a bad foul and his first yellow is very severe compared to the number of fouls suffered by Ney.
Not a good return for Neymar… Image may be NSFW.
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 28, 2022
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The PSG star is sent off on his return to Ligue 1 for this dive inside the box… Image may be NSFW.
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“Strasbourg is a team that plays well, but also gives off a lot of strength and power. There was a lot of impact in this match.
“I regret that the excess of commitment was not sanctioned more harshly for certain players. It could have generated a little frustration for Ney.”
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