Vitinha scores stunning Champions League hat-trick: “Maybe João Neves inspired me!” | OneFootball

Vitinha scored the first hat-trick of his career

Paris Saint-Germain 5-3 Tottenham Hotspur

If there are any remaining doubters that Portugal’s Vitinha is as good a midfielder you will find in Europe, they were lessened on Wednesday evening with a spectacular hat-trick for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The holders went behind twice to Tottenham Hotspur at the Parc des Princes, with Vitinha replying on both occasions with exquisite individual goals – one from each foot - to level the score. The former Porto man later added a penalty to register the first treble of his senior career, after which PSG boss Luis Enrique sung his praises once more.

“As usual, I would say Vitinha was sensational,” the Spaniard said of his midfielder. “Out of this world. We are delighted to have Vitinha here. He’s a different player. The best thing he did today in my opinion was when he missed an opportunity, then made sure he won the ball back and then we got a penalty. He has that personality. I think our three midfielders were incredible tonight and it’s incredible to see them play at this level.”

For his part, Vitinha joked that his PSG colleague and fellow Portugal international João Neves may have galvanised him to score three goals for the firs time in his career. Neves, who came into the match as PSG’s top scorer, recently scored his first hat-trick in Portugal’s 9-1 victory over Armenia in the World Cup qualification stage.

Neves the inspiration

“To be honest, I never thought about scoring a hat trick,” Vitinha told reporters. “Maybe João (Neves) inspired me! But it’s true that when it happens, you think maybe I can do it too. It’s kind of in your head. I’m very happy with this hat trick, but especially with the team and its character, since it managed to overcome difficulties once again, with the help of this atmosphere and these incredible fans. I think we’re a great team all together here at the Parc des Princes. They never stopped believing in us, even when we were behind twice.

“I think we were behind twice against the run of play, but we managed to keep our heads, keep playing, and come back. So, once again, congratulations to the team, it's incredible. Last year, we won a lot like that. We continue to show character when things get tough. So, very happy for the victory and the treble!”

Full-back Nuno Mendes started at left-back for PSG, while Neves joined Vitinha in midfield and Gonçalo Ramos came on for the final ten minutes. Neves registered an assist for PSG’s third goal, when PSG won possession from the Spurs defence and Neves’ clever backheel found Fabián Ruiz to slot home.

The win means PSG are now 2nd in the Champions League group phase behind leaders Arsenal.