A trip back to the Bernabeu brings back “good memories” for Neymar, as the ex-Barcelona star looks to haunt his old rivals Real Madrid with Paris Saint-Germain.
Joined by fellow Nou Camp hero Lionel Messi in Les Parisiens’ squad for Wednesday’s second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, the Brazilian described the occasion as “special”.
Neymar set up his teammate twice in a memorable 4-3 win away to Madrid in 2014 before scoring himself in a 4-0 romp a year later.
“It's a special match for me and Lionel Messi because we played at Barcelona,” he told reporters. “Also for [Sergio] Ramos who is with us and for whom this was home.
“But we are motivated. We want to play well tomorrow and to mark the history of PSG.”
Ex-Real Madrid captain Ramos will miss the game with a calf injury but Neymar should start alongside Messi and Kylian Mbappe up front, with the Frenchman set to shake off a foot injury.
Since leaving Barcelona for a world record £198million in 2017, Neymar has returned to the Bernabeu twice with PSG; a 3-1 defeat at this stage in 2018 before he came off the bench to help secure a 2-2 draw in the following year’s group stage.
“Obviously I have targeted this game,” the winger added. “It's a game that the players want to play, you have to enjoy every minute of these games. They will not be repeated.
“I am focused and I work to help the team. I'm happy. I'm going to give everything and do everything tomorrow. We need to have a very strong mentality to play a great game.”
