Liverpool on the ropes as PSG close in on Champions League knockouts

Paris Saint-Germain took a big step towards qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages after Neymar helped sink Liverpool in a blistering 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes.

The Brazilian struck in the 37th minute after Juan Bernat's early opener to put qualification for the last 16 in the French champions' hands and leave Jurgen Klopp's team needing to beat Napoli 1-0 or by two clear goals in two week's time to guarantee a place in the knockout stage.

Thomas Tuchel's PSG have massive European ambitions but have flattered to deceive on the continent since being taken over by Qatari investors, and after defeats at Anfield and draws with Group C leaders Napoli Wednesday's win gives them a great chance of qualifying from an extremely tight group.

They are in second place but still need a win at Red Star Belgrade -- who they beat 6-1 in Paris in October -- to ensure a knockout berth as they go into the final round of fixtures just two points ahead of Liverpool.

"It was our last chance to show that we are capable of competing with a team like Liverpool, a team with an incredible mentality," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.

"Everyone was ready to suffer for each other. That was necessary against Liverpool and it was a big step forward for us."
"For me it's a red card," he said. "I look like a bad loser, but I don't care. I had a very good view of it and for sure it was not the same colour as the 500 other yellow cards."
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"We will go all guns blazing now. It will be tough, but it is all to play for."