Paris (AFP)

By making a game without a stake worthwhile, Paris has offered great prospects in the Champions League: PSG has regained color against Galatasaray (5-0), like Neymar, who returns to his best level before hour of truth, that of the final phase.

Since the miraculous draw in Madrid (2-2) at the end of November, Paris has continued to disappoint in the game, between a tasteless match against Nantes (2-0) and a success ripped in the last quarter of an hour in Montpellier (3-1).

A chronic insufficiency saved by the individual exploits of his cracks Neymar, Kylian Mbappé or Angel Di Maria. What to wonder about the real capacity of the Parisian club to finally pass the course of the 8th finals in 2020, despite a first round almost perfect European.

But in the wake of a "Ney" finally turned to the collective, Paris players took advantage of the final day of C1 in 2019 to show that they were well armed on all fronts to face Tottenham, Atlético Madrid , Naples, Dortmund, Chelsea, or Atalanta Bergamo next February.

. Neymar, the path of redemption

If the reasons for hope of a bright future have suddenly become so strong, Paris owes as much to the weakness of his Turkish opponent as the performance of his Brazilian N.10, author of his best match of the season.

Again irresistible on the ground, Neymar has almost managed to forget the last four months polluted by his desires for departure and injuries, being behind the five Parisian goals.

More than his mastery ball to the foot, his best gesture of the evening came late in the game when, grand seigneur, he let the penalty caused by Mbappé be transformed by Edinson Cavani, the idol confined to supporting roles, under the cheers from a conquered Parc des Princes.

A political gesture in the form of a "happy end" for the famous "penaltygate", source of tension between the two Parisian stars since 2017, concluded by a supported accolade synonymous with sacred union around the "Matador".

"The only thing he missed was to score, so he was able to score and everyone left happy," Neymar told RMC Sport's microphone after the match.

"It's a nice gesture from him, I'm very happy because I always said he's a guy with a big heart," said his coach Thomas Tuchel. "The challenge is to show it to everyone, I hope it will be a symbol for the team and this season".

. New formula to come?

Deprived of half of his team, between the packages of Presnel Kimpembe, Idrissa Gueye, Thomas Meunier and the worry of resting the most used elements like Di Maria, Marco Verratti or Keylor Navas, Thomas Tuchel also took the opportunity to test a new tactical scheme.

The idea? Better tap into his incredible offensive arsenal with four players turned towards the attack, against three in the favored system this season, and give playing time to the usual substitutes.

A successful bet, intended to be renewed in the future? "We can continue to play in 4-4-2 only if everyone is ready to defend together and close the space.If we do that, we are very dangerous, so it is the responsibility of the players," he said. he warned.

Even better, the German tactician has found a new solution in the middle with the young Tanguy Kouassi (17), while the Neapolitan Allan is announced as a possible reinforcement during the next winter transfer window.

"I have to say, honestly, that I was expecting a performance like that because I see him at every training and he's great, he's a great player, he has a lot of qualities and a great personality," he said. Tuchel.

What satisfy Marquinhos, vice-captain ready to help out as a sentinel even if he would prefer to evolve in central defense, his favorite position. A new proof that a virtuous circle is engaged at all levels?

© 2019 AFP