Paris Saint-Germain are through to the semi finals of the Champions League for the first time since 1995.
They ended the run of Atalanta in Lisbon as the last grains of sand in the hourglass trickled south.
In the end, it was the introduction of a half-fit Kylian Mbappé that turned the game in favour of the nouveau riches.
For much of the game, that 25-year load weighed heavy on Parisian shoulders allied with the quality of Gian Piero Gasperini's side.
In the 27th minute, Atalanta's Duvan Zapata bore down on the PSG defence, before the ball broke to Mario Pasalic who curled the ball left-footed beyond the reach of Keylor Navas.
What a finish!!! 👏
Mario Pašalić with the first-time curling effort! ⚫️🔵
What a story this would be!#AtalantaPSG#UCL | #FestivalOfFootball 🎡🎪⚽️ pic.twitter.com/YkuS2ll0lR— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 12, 2020
PSG looked every inch the side who'd failed to live up to the large name on the marquee in recent years. Neymar and Mauro Icardi both left chances go unpunished.
Atalanta could have made it 2-0 12-minutes after the break but defender Berat Djimsiti sliced the ball wide of the upright with the goal waiting.
Enter Mbappé.
Manager Thomas Tuchel claimed pre-match that the World Cup-winning prodigy could only manage half an hour on his damaged ankle. Right on 60-minutes, Mbappé was introduced as Pablo Sarabia was called ashore.
As Atalanta began to wilt, Mbappé's pace and quick wit began to cause them problems.
Sixteen minutes from time he broke down the left, cut into the box, but found his low shot saved by the feet of Marco Sportiello.
Neymar and Mbappé continued to knock on the door, but it was Marquinhos who finally gained entry for PSG.
90th minute equaliser!!!
Marquinhos levels it for PSG!#AtalantaPSG | #UCL#FestivalOfFootball 🎡🎪⚽️ pic.twitter.com/iqqlr3Xy3X— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 12, 2020
As time ran out, Neymar got on the end of a lofted ball into the box, squaring for the midfielder who got enough on the ball to turn it home.
Three minutes later, PSG were in front and Atalanta were on the floor.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting prodded the ball home after some fine interplay from Neymar and Mbappé around the opposition area.
PSG survive to play a semi-final next Tuesday against either Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting wins it for PSG in the 93rd minute!!!
August 2018: Signs on a free from Stoke City.
August 2020: Scores the winner in a #UCL quarter-final!#AtalantaPSG#FestivalOfFootball 🎡🎪⚽️ pic.twitter.com/WcY9cPwOf7— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 12, 2020
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
