Neymar, Juan Bernat help PSG advance to Champions League quarterfinals

Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain progresses to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the second leg to seal a 3-2 victory on aggregate at an empty Parc des Princes stadium on Wednesday.

The Ligue 1 table-toppers faced the prospect of yet another disappointing campaign in Europe after losing 2-1 at Dortmund in the first leg, however, goals from Neymar and Juan Bernat in the first half secured passage on an eerie night in Paris.

More than 3,000 ultra-fans gathered near the Parc des Princes before kickoff after they were granted authorisation by the police – demonstrations being considered an exemption to the ban of gatherings of more than 1,000 as French authorities try to restrict the coronavirus, which has so far infected 2,281 people and killed 48.

The hosts were without skipper Thiago Silva, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Kylian Mbappe started on the bench after suffering from a sore throat that led to him being tested for the coronavirus as the results came back negative.

Neymar levelled the proceedings on aggregate in the 28th minute with a well-placed diving header from an Angel Di Maria cross following a corner kick. Bernat doubled the lead just before half-time following a swift PSG move, as he redirected a low Pablo Sarabia cross past Roman Burki and into the far netting.

It was a frustrating night for the Germans at Parc des Princes as new signing Emre Can receiving a red card for pushing Neymar following a verbal exchange.

The match was played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, with the French government announcing on Sunday night an indefinite ban on gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

Following the match, PSG manager Thomas Tuchel said: “The atmosphere was good on the bus and when we arrived with the ultras. It created a good vibe on the bus and we were singing together. That was special.

“I told the lads pre-match that this was exactly the atmosphere, state of mind and energy that I wanted us to play with. Football is a relationship between the spectators and the team — it creates a special energy.

“I saw the fans after the match. Mid-game was a bit more difficult as I was totally focused. I was there afterwards and it was for them. Football is for the fans, the spectators — those who love this game.”

The French giants made it past the last 16 after painful exits at the same stage in the last two years. They let slip a 4-0 advantage in a 6-5 aggregate defeat by Barcelona in 2017 before losing to Manchester United on away goals after beating the English side 2-0 at Old Trafford 12 months ago.