Neymar Reportedly Bets Barcelona Team-Mates He Will Score 2 in PSG Second Leg

Barcelona forward Neymar has reportedly wagered with his team-mates that he’ll net at least two goals against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, as the Blaugrana seek to put together one of the biggest comebacks in UEFA Champions League history. 

That’s according to Que T'hi Jugues (h/t Sport), where it was that noted in the dressing room the Brazilian has bet he’ll bag a brace against PSG, having netted five times in the five games he’s played against the Ligue 1 outfit.

The La Liga side were pummelled 4-0 by the French champions in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, and their hopes of being crowned kings of Europe in 2016-17 are hanging by a thread. 

MIGUEL RIOPA/Getty Images

Indeed, the biggest deficit ever made up over two legs in the Champions League came in the 2004 quarter-finals, when Deportivo la Coruna bounced back from a 4-1 loss in the first leg against AC Milan on home soil, winning 4-0 at the Riazor.

However, it’s suggested in the report that Neymar believes he and his fellow Blaugrana stars can chop down the four-goal margin and keep their hopes of progression alive. 

Although the Brazilian has not been as prolific this season compared to others, he’s happy with his form:

Slowly there are signs that his confidence is coming back in front of goal. He’s netted in both of Barcelona’s previous two games, including a delightful chip in the 5-0 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.

If Neymar is in form alongside his fellow attacking stars in Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, you would never rule the Blaugrana out. Not only are they capable of scoring goals, they’re capable of netting in quick succession. As such, should they net a quickfire double in the first period, the entire complexion of the tie changes.

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Indeed, Barca defender Gerard Pique has previously expressed his confidence that the team can do it, encouraging fans not to miss out on a potentially memorable evening. 

"I hope they come to the stadium because if they miss the comeback, then they will be pissed off at home," he said last month, per Ivan San Antonio of Sport.

What may prove to be the biggest issue for Barcelona on Wednesday evening isn’t scoring goals, but keeping them out. Per Squawka Football, in Edinson Cavani, the visitors have one of the most lethal forwards in world football on their books:

Because Barcelona failed to score an away goal at the Parc des Princes, any kind of strike for PSG at the Camp Nou would surely end the tie as a contest. If the visitors were to score just once, Barca would need at least six goals on the night to make it into the quarter-finals.

A virtuoso display from Neymar would be a massive help to the Barcelona cause, and his team-mates will be hoping he’s right to make the aforementioned wager. However, if Luis Enrique’s side are to pull off one of the best comebacks of all time, a stunning collective display will be needed.