바카라 Neymar, the ‘world star’ of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), scored a brilliant multi-goal performance to cool the hearts of fans visiting Busan Asiad Stadium in the heat of the summer.
In addition, ‘PSG freshman’ Lee Kang-in, who was waiting on the bench, was introduced as a substitute in the middle of the second half and received a warm welcome from domestic fans.
PSG won the third leg of the Coupang Play series against Jeonbuk Hyundai at the Asiad Stadium in Busan on March 3, 3-0, thanks to a brace from Neymar in full-time and a wedge goal from Marco Asensio.
After concluding its preseason schedule with a match against Jeonbuk, PSG will host FC Lorient at 4 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the first round of the 2023-2024 French Ligue 1.
PSG started the game on the bench with Lee Kang-in on the substitutes’ bench as Neymar made a “surprise” start after rehabbing from ankle surgery in March.
Jeonbuk responded by sending out Hapa Silva and Han Gyo-won as attacking resources, centered on Moon Sun-min, who aimed for a ‘control tower serenade’.
In the early stages of the kickoff, Jeonbuk looked for scoring opportunities through Moon’s active movements, but PSG, led by the brilliant footwork of Neymar, who gradually improved his condition by moving between the center and the flanks, increased the frequency of their attacks.
In the 10th minute, Neymar played an exquisite space pass in the middle of the field, which led to Hugo Ekitiike threatening Jeonbuk with a right-footed shot in the penalty area, and in the 26th minute, Ismael Garvey’s right-footed shot hit the right side of the net.
PSG had a chance in the 37th minute when Neymar’s surprise left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area was saved by the goalkeeper and went over the crossbar.
I am Neymar
(BUSAN = Yonhap News) Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs. K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai in the third match of the Coupang Play Series at Asiad Stadium in Busan on Wednesday afternoon. PSG’s Neymar celebrates after scoring the first goal. 2023.8.3 2022331@yna.co.kr
In the end, PSG’s first goal came from Neymar’s toe.
In the 40th minute, Neymar won the ball in the penalty area and made an excellent save to withstand pressure from the Jeonbuk defense before firing a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.
The ball left Neymar’s foot, hit the body of a Jeonbuk defender, deflected slightly, and went into the goal.
Neymar celebrated his goal in his return from injury with a goal celebration amidst the roar of the domestic fans.
Neymar also showed off his ‘world-class’ skills in the 42nd minute of the first half, as he was responsible for coordinating the game and creating a shooting opportunity with a precise penetrating pass to Ekitiqe, who was rushing to the front line.
After ending the first half 0-1, Jeonbuk started the second half with all of their main attacking resources, including Song Min-kyu, Gustavo, Baek Seung-ho, Lee Dong-joon, and Amano Jun.
Jeonbuk came up just short in the fourth minute of the second half when Song Min-kyu’s powerful right flank cross from Lee Dong-joon was deflected onto his right foot from the front of the goal area.
Lee Kang-in enters the stadium wearing a PSG jersey.
(Busan = Yonhap) Yoon Dong-jin reports that PSG’s Lee Kang-in enters the stadium during the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs. K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai match, the third leg of the ‘Coupang Play Series’, at the Asiad Stadium in Busan on Wednesday afternoon. 2023.8.3 mon@yna.co.kr
PSG began making second-half substitutions, and Lee Kang-in, who had been waiting on the bench, finally entered the field in the 23rd minute.
After meeting the Busan fans in June in the national team jersey, Lee changed into a PSG jersey and greeted the fans again. Lee came on as a central midfielder.
Neymar was also responsible for PSG’s second goal.
In the 38th minute of the second half, Neymar received a through ball from Fabian Luis on the left flank, made a brilliant line break, and scored with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area.
Lee and Neymar together ‘in one team’
(Busan = Yonhap) Son Hyung-joo reports that PSG’s Lee Kang-in, who came on as a second-half substitute in the third leg of the Coupang Play Series match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai at the Asiad Stadium in Busan on Wednesday afternoon. 2023.8.3 handbrother@yna.co.kr
After Neymar’s second goal, Lee Kang-in was the first to come over and give him a high five.
Lee’s lack of touches on the ball left him disappointed, but PSG sealed the 3-0 victory in the 43rd minute when Asensio scored a wedge goal.