Lisbon (AFP)

Neymar finally at the top of his game in Paris, a united group, the reinforcements to come from Keylor Navas and Marco Verratti: the PSG, qualified Tuesday for the final of the Champions League, has reason to believe in the coronation.

Imperial against the novice Leipzig (3-0), Thomas Tuchel's team sent a signal: it does not matter if Bayern Munich, big favorite of the competition, or Lyon, its French rival, stands in its way on Sunday ( 9:00 p.m.) in Lisbon, PSG will tackle this historic meeting sure of its strength.

. Neymar, symbol of a fire attack

“Two years in a row with injuries at crucial times, important to me and our team. Today I'm whole, injury-free, able to help my teammates in the best possible way. I'm too happy, very happy ... very happy! ": Neymar's relief, in an Instagram post, lives up to the expectations he has aroused since his arrival in 2017.

Recruited for the record sum of EUR 222m from Barcelona, ​​the Brazilian No.10 has never been able to shine in crucial European matches due to two serious foot injuries. A "curse" which had even pushed him to want to rush his departure last summer.

Finally remained in Paris, "Ney" took it into his head to prove that at 28, the time had finally come to establish himself as the new best player on the planet. Even if he still has not scored, he was the scoring player in this unprecedented "Final 8" with his hellish dribbling and brilliant inspirations.

Better, his complicity with Kylian Mbappé and Angel Di Maria suggests a fire attack ready to deliver its final bouquet on Sunday.

"We made history (Tuesday) but we don't want to stop there, we want more ... Let's go in search of the cup, the big ear, the TROPHY!" he still writes.

. A united group on a mission

Since Dortmund clicked in March, uninterrupted exchanges during confinement on WhatsApp and repeated birthday celebrations, PSG has created a new family spirit around a common pact: winning the C1 on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the club.

The former glory Valdo, one of the few people outside to have been able to meet the Parisian workforce in his Lisbon hotel despite the strict health constraints, confirms these positive waves.

"What I felt was the love of the players with each other. They are really united between them. And also the complicity between the players and their coach," he told the AFP before the semi-final.

Kylian Mbappé, crowned world champion at the age of 19, even draws a parallel between the European adventure of PSG and the epic of the France team during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"We managed to create a group, everyone knows their importance and contributes to the building. It goes beyond the field stage, we do a lot more activities together. Maybe for some it's too much, but I think that's how you win, "he said on Tuesday.

"It's easier to run for a buddy, to make the sacrifices, when you appreciate it. It is valid in football and in any job, he added. After, is it that this will save us? I don't know, but it will surely help. "

. Navas and Verratti, weight reinforcements

The incredible black series of injuries before and during the competition could have ruined everything.

From Mbappé, victim of a sprained ankle on July 24, to Marco Verratti, calf injury on August 4, major forfeits continued to accumulate before the opening of "Final 8". Even Thomas Tuchel, injured on August 7 in the foot, could not escape it!

In the quarter-final against Atalanta Bergamo (2-1), it was the turn of his goalkeeper Keylor Navas, triple winner of the Champions League (2016, 2017, 2018), to be the victim of an injury muscular.

If his replacement Sergio Rico was up to the task against Leipzig, there are grounds for hope that the Costa Rican will be back for the final.

Ditto for Verratti, who came into play in the 83rd minute to get back on his feet. Two reinforcements of weight welcome to be able to play your luck to the full!

© 2020 AFP