Brought over for $78.6m not just for his Brazilian flare but also his goal-scoring abilities as he netted 56 goals in his last year-and-half with Santos, Neymar Jr was yet to find his goal scoring form with Barcelona. In the December of 2013 on the biggest stage of Club football, Neymar truly announced his arrival in Europe with a treble of goals against Celtic. The Jogo Bonito heir was the star of the show in Leo Messi’s absence who was suffering with a thigh injury.
An assist to double Barca’s lead and his first of the night
After Gerard Pique had opened the scoring for Barcelona Neymar led them to double the lead after he danced past Efe Ambrose and found Pedro Rodriquez on edge of the six-yard box who slid it in. Just before half time a chip over the defense by Sanchez found the right-back Martin Montoya, who’s pass was deflected by the keeper into Neymar’s path who tapped it in to get his first of the night.
Chemistry with Xavi to grab his 2nd
In the second half a one-two with Xavi gave Neymar a chance to evade the Celtic defenders surrounding him and get a shot at Fraser Forsterâs goal which ended up in the back of the net. The goal gave birth to the Iconic cross-armed celebration by the star boy that his potential regen Lamine Yamal displayed after his goal against Athletic Bilbao.
A nutmeng to complete the hat trick
Just 10 minutes after his second goal, Neymar received a pass from Adriano just inside the box. The Brazilian slid the ball through the legs of Ambrose and took a far post shot that beat the keeper and deflected into the goal off Adam Mathews.
A stellar Performance that forced the Camp Nou to rise from their seats and give their new signing a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 81st minute. Barca ending up winning with Cristian Tello scoring the last goal for Barca.