90min

PSG 5-1 Istanbul Basaksehir: Neymar Hits Hat-Trick in Resumed Champions League Clash

By Ali Rampling

Neymar hit a hat-trick in PSG's thumping win
Neymar hit a hat-trick in PSG's thumping win / FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images
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PSG ensured they progressed to the Champions League last 16 as group winners with a thumping 5-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on Wednesday evening.

The game resumed on the 14-minute mark after Tuesday's match had been abandoned when fourth official Sebastian Coltescu was accused of using a racist term to describe Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo.

Players took the knee before the game
Players took the knee before the game / FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Both teams walked off the pitch in protest and after a two hour wait it was confirmed that the game would not be completed until Wednesday evening.

A completely new set of four match officials were appointed and the officials, alongside both sets of players, wore anti racism t-shirts during the warm ups baring the message 'No to Racism'.

PSG and Basaksehir then took the knee around the centre circle during the Champions League anthem, and anti racism banners were displayed in the stands.

When the game resumed, it was Neymar who took centre stage. The PSG forward hit a stunning 30-minute hat-trick as his side ran out convincing 5-1 winners.

Neymar opened the scoring after 21 minutes, pulling off a sumptuous nutmeg before curling home from the edge of the area.

The Brazilian international applied the finishing touches to a slick, counter attacking move after 37 minutes to double his side's lead, before he was brought down in the area on the stroke of half time to earn PSG a penalty. His strike partner Kylian Mbappe buried the spot kick for his first Champions League goal of the season.

The French outfit showed no signs of letting up in the second half, Neymar completing his hat-trick - the third European treble of his career - with a fabulous strike from 20 yards out.

Mehmet Topal pulled one back for Basaksehir on the 57 minute mark, but Mbappe doubled his tally for the evening just after the hour mark to restore PSG's four goal advantage and confirm their status as group winners.