The Brazilian superstar was almost anonymous as the French champions put in a disappointing display and edged closer to another early European exit
Oh Paris Saint-Germain, here we go again… PSG's struggles in the knockout stages of the Champions League are well-documented by now, and they will have to come from behind if they are to beat Bayern Munich in the last 16 this season after an underwhelming 1-0 home loss on Tuesday.
Former PSG academy star Kingsley Coman was again the difference between the two sides, scoring the only goal after 53 minutes.
For their part, PSG often lacked life, with Neymar and Lionel Messi failing to impact the game before Kylian Mbappe was appeared from the substitutes' bench to inject some urgency into proceedings.
The introduction of Mbappe, who was returning earlier than expected from an injury suffered two weeks ago, changed things, and as PSG pushed for an equaliser in the final 15 minutes, the star forward was a constant threat.
His running in behind finally stretched the Bayern defence, and he was unlucky to have a tap-in ruled out after Nuno Mendes was caught offside in the build up.
PSG instead never found an equaliser despite a late onslaught and Benjamin Pavard's red card, and now know nothing less than a win at the Allianz Arena in three weeks' time will do.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from an absorbing night at Parc des Princes…
Getty ImagesWINNER: Kingsley Coman
In terms of PSG's Champions League hopes, Coman is turning into the protagonist in their worst nightmares.
Coman scored the winner for Bayern in the Champions League final against PSG back in 2020, and he was at it again here. The former PSG man buried the only goal of the game, neatly volleying home after stealing in at the back post.
His goal rubber-stamped an excellent display from the France international.
Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann deployed Coman as a left-wing-back in the first half before switching him to the right after half-time, and for long periods he was Bayern's most effective attacking threat.
He created three chances, had two shots on goal, and pinned PSG's full-backs deep into their own defensive third. PSG manager Christophe Galtier will need to figure out how to deal with Coman in the second leg.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Neymar
Neymar inadvertently summed up PSG's attacking performance when, in the 20th minute, the Brazilian burst down the left wing, but was muscled off the ball by Pavard.
Neymar fell to the floor, clutching his face while Bayern advanced swiftly down the pitch. Two minutes later, he was still on the floor, and although the Bayern attack fizzled out, Neymar was nowhere to be seen.
He did, eventually, get up, and produced an occasional signature moment. There was one wonderful pass to Nuno Mendes, and a few slaloming runs into the final third. But for all of the deft faints and flashy stepovers, Neymar never had a concrete impact on the game, which ultimately cost his team.
Exit rumours have cropped up once again in the past week, and if PSG do indeed let one of their front three leave this summer, Neymar seems to be the most likely candidate.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann won the tactical battle on Tuesday night.
He deployed his side in a dynamic 3-4-2-1 formation, unexpectedly using Coman as a wing back. And his creative set up worked, giving Bayern more numbers on the break while PSG's forwards elected not to defend.
It was because of the system that Bayern took the lead, as one wing-back found the other to complete a well-worked move. They could have done further damage, too, with Alphonso Davies constantly pouring into PSG's box after being introduced at half-time.
And Nagelsmann might feel like there's more to come from his side in this system. While Coman was excellent, Joao Cancelo had a night to forget on the other wing before being replaced, and Leroy Sane was far from his best.
If Nagelsmann gets all of his individuals firing, Bayern should have more than enough to see off PSG in the second leg.
Getty ImagesLOSER: Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi missed PSG's loss to Monaco on Saturday due to a hamstring issue, a decision PSG highlighted as precautionary in order to get their star right-back ready for Bayern.
But as one knock wore off, another appeared, as Hakimi left the pitch after 45 minutes with a different injury. He reportedly picked up a thigh problem in the first half, and was rendered unable to play the second.
His absence was a significant loss for a PSG side that badly needed legs to stretch the field, especially after they fell behind, and they will hope that Hakimi isn't sidelined for too long. They will need him badly in the weeks to come.
