Sensational! Paris secure quarters berth

It was in a Parc des Princes denied of its spectators - the match being played behind closed doors for health reasons - but accompanied by thousands of passionate fans outside the ground, that Paris Saint-Germain rediscovered the adrenaline of the Champions League on Wednesday evening. For Thomas Tuchel's side, the task at hand was clear: they needed to better in the second leg of this Round of 16 match, what Borussia Dortmund had done in the first leg at the Signal Iduna Park (2-1).

And from the very get go, Les Rouge et Bleu set the tone for what was to come: intensity, solidarity, strength in their duels and a desire to press high up the pitch with great intensity. Against a German side who had set out to exploit every space in behind the Parisians, it was never going to be easy. The first warning sign came in the shape of Jadon Sancho, who struck from the edge of the box, but missed the target (17'). But Les Parisiens stood strong and were driven on by captain Marquinhos and Kimpembe.

After some good work from Angel Di Maria, Edinson Cavani, found himself in on goal and with just Bürki to beat, but the Borussia keeper turned his shot away (24'). Thomas Tuchel's side continued to press, however, and their chance finally came through Neymar Jr. Angel Di Maria sent in a perfect corner and the n°10 was able to get free to bury an excellent header (1-0, 28'). The goal was met with an incredible celebration on the touchline.

Lucien Favre's side tried to provide an answer to this goal with a free-kick from distance taken by Sancho, but it was well blocked by Keylor Navas (37'). He was then called into action once more when the English forward created another chance, while Hazard saw his effort just miss the target (41'). Fully focused, Les Parisiens doubled their lead just before half-time, when Juan Bernat flicked home a cross from Pablo Sarabia (2-0, 45'+1).

It was with this fragile lead, but one that would see Paris qualify for the next round, that Thomas Tuchel's side headed into the dressing room at the break. As the second half got underway, the German side kicked on and looked to break down the home side's defence, in any way they could. But Les Parisiens refused to let up, held on and demonstrated total concentration right across the pitch. 

Their defensive performance paid off given that it even allowed them a second wind in attack. Neymar Jr tried his luck from a free-kick, which only just missed the target (85'), before demonstrating his pace on the counter (87'). The tension was palpable but Les Parisiens ensured that they were never really troubled, despite the visitor's possession. 

After a whole lot of effort and defensive abnegation, Les Parisiens had accomplished their mission. In an empty stadium, but driven on by the spirit of their fans, Thomas Tuchel's side secured qualification for the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League!