A scintillating brace from Kylian Mbappe helped PSG sink Juventus 2-1 in the opening clash of the Champions League. The most extravagant attacking three of the 21st century provided a timely reminder of their potency in front of goal, and this time Mbappe led the charge, while both Neymar and Lionel Messi played the supporting cast.
The first goal came from a beautifully orchestrated loft from Neymar, whose season has started off on a great note, and he finally looks like the player for whom the PSG broke their own bank and football’s finance. Surrounded by Juventus’ defenders from all sides, Neymar released the trigger to set the ball in the path of Mbappe, who struck a powerful, precise volley to give the Parisians the lead.
His second goal was, again, a low strike from close range following a short, crisp, one-two passing sequence with Achraf Hakimi. Juventus pulled one back through Weston McKennie’s thumping strike that went passed the PSG’s goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Donnarumma has struggled to become a regular starter at his new club and was often seen on the bench during the last days of Mauricio Pochettino. The Juve fans present in the stadium were particularly harsh on him, as he chose PSG over Juventus when his contract with Milan expired.
When Donnarumma’s name was announced for the kick-off, the fans started the offensive chant, mocking the goalie for his Neapolitan origin.
During the match, the Bianconeri supporters were also caught making racist gestures, and doing Nazi salutes toward the home crowd.
Just three days ago the Italian authorities have launched an investigation over the antisemitic chants by Juventus fans during their 1-1 draw against Fiorentina. Italian football has always been plagued by the ultras. Juventus fans, of late, have been found guilty of raising nazi slogans, making racist gestures, or bringing neo-fascist banners into the stadium.
Three years ago, the Juve ultras were caught in possession of deadly weapons, including missiles used by the Qatari army, inside the stadium. “Connections were found between these Neo-Fascist and Neo-Nazi groups and ultras groups, in particular, Juventus and the Drughi Giovinezza section,” the Italian police stated.
Lead Image: Juventus FC
