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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Oisin Doherty

Stephen Kelly blasts 'anonymous' Neymar and Lionel Messi after PSG's loss to Bayern Munich

Stephen Kelly has taken aim at Lionel Messi and Neymar, branding the duo 'anonymous' during PSG's 1-0 loss at home to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their round of 16 tie with Bayern Munich.

Former PSG man Kingsley Coman gave Bayern the lead early in the second half, with the German giants going close soon after when Gianluigi Donnarumma magnificently saved Eric Choupo-Moting's close range effort.

Though the hosts improved when Kylian Mbappé came on after the first goal went in, the French star, who was carrying an injury couldn't turn the tide, although he did see a fine goal disallowed for offside.

READ MORE: Dismal PSG punished by Bayern after benching star man Kylian Mbappe - 5 talking points

Kelly, appearing as a pundit for RTE, had praise for Mbappé who was on his return from injury, but was scathing in his criticism of Messi and Neymar.

"As soon as Mbappé came on the pitch, it completely changed the outlook of the game and Bayern actually had something to worry about," said Kelly.

"Neymar was anonymous, Messi was anonymous, two players that you can't afford to not be involved in the game. The gap between them and the rest of the team was huge throughout the game, so they could never get the ball to them.

"But Bayern were much better organised, are a much better outfit, but, if you have Mbappé fit for the second leg PSG have a chance.

Kevin Doyle was also appearing in a punditry role, and he had this to say about PSG's attacking duo:

"Listen, there at a stage in their careers were you're not going to get Lionel Messi sprinting around the pitch. Neymar has never sprinted around the place.

"So, you carry them and hope the others do the donkey work for them.

"They've invested an awful lot of money in Mbappé and you see that, he's carrying an injury, but when he comes on for that last 20 minutes they were the better team.

"They should have come out of it with a draw, as poor as they were.

PSG will travel to Munich in three weeks time looking to overturn the 1-0 deficit and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

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