Benfica held Paris Saint-Germain for the second time in a week on a frustrating day for Neymar, who was later described as “boring”.
Neymar “is boring as hell” with his antics on the pitch but is still one of the best footballers in the world, according to Benfica midfielder Joao Mario.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar had a series of ongoing spats with Benfica players during Tuesday’s 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw.
Neymar was fouled six times at the Parc des Princes – twice as many as any other player – with the Brazil international the focus of Benfica.
While he failed to find the net in two games against the Portuguese side last week, the 30-year-old impressed Joao Mario.
“Neymar plays well, but he can be boring as hell on the pitch,” a smiling Joao Mario told TNT Sports Brasil. “But he is one of the best players in the world, a very talented player.
“I think he needs to argue with the players on the pitch and that’s perfectly normal. He’s a joy to play against. He’s someone really different as we’ve seen.”
Mbappe gave PSG the lead from the penalty spot and with his 31st goal, he moved straight ahead of Edinson Cavani as the club’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League.
However, Joao Mario converted his own spot-kick to score for the second time in three games in the competition, having failed to find the back of the net in any of his first 19 games.
Benfica are level with PSG on eight points after four games, with next rivals Juventus five points worse off, meaning a draw in two weeks’ time will see them through.
Rather than settle for second place, however, Joao Mario insists his side are aiming to finish above heavyweights PSG in what should be a more favorable last-16 tie.
“We are two wins away from first place,” he said. “This club and this team have something to fight for.
“The aim is to get through the group stage and if possible in first place, even better.”
Leave a comment