Champions League: Neymar leads PSG past Liverpool

Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Brazilian midfielder Neymar Jr.'s first half goal was just enough to lead Paris Saint-Germain past Liverpool Wednesday in the Champions League.

Juan Bernat's 13th minute score gave PSG an early lead before Neymar added another tally in the 37th minute. Liverpool midfielder James Milner cut the deficit in half with a penalty kick in first half stoppage time, but the Premier League power couldn't net a second half equalizer in the group stage setback.

Bernat booted his unassisted score early on, corralling an Mbappe rebound in the Liverpool box before blasting in a left-footed shot past Reds keeper Alisson.

Neymar's goal was also sparked by the speedy Mbappe. The PSG striker blistered down the left flank before receiving a pass from Neymar during the sequence. Mbappe used his first touch to send the ball through the box to Edinson Cavani.

But Alisson was able to punch away Cavani's effort. The rebound came out to Neymar, who buried a shot into the right side of the net.

The Reds' only score came after Angel Di Maria took out Sadio Mane in the Liverpool box. Milner blasted a shot into the left side of the net before the halftime whistle.

PSG faces Red Star Belgrade in the group stage of the Champions League at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11 in Belgrade, Serbia. Liverpool faces Napoli in the group stage at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Anfield in Liverpool, England.