Their judgement may change when the second leg takes place, but for now, Neymar will have to endure harsh criticism from fans and experts.
The Brazilian ace was far from his best form at the Bernabeu, missing relatively easy passes and making wrong decisions as on whether he should keep the ball or go ahead and shoot. The world's most expensive player in history even escaped a second booking in the second half of the game for two blatant dives.
Here's a woeful attempt by Neymar to get Casemiro booked for a second time.
Needless to say, the internet reacted with harsh comments regarding Neymar's performance. Have a look at some of them.
"Neymar will become the best in the world when he leaves Barcelona, Messi holding him back"
— 360Sources (@360Sources) February 14, 2018
Don’t ever compare Neymar with Messi again, he completely went missing on the biggest stage at the Bernabeu tonight, 33 year old Cristiano Ronaldo outshined him.
Neymar could've won everything again at Barça. But he left us for PSG. Now gets beaten 3-1 by a 4th placed Madrid team. Karma
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) February 14, 2018
So Neymar left Barcelona to prove to everyone that he can dominate matches by himself on the big stage pic.twitter.com/JwwDAw0rFU
— Football Tweets (@FutballTweets) February 14, 2018
PSG refused to sell Verratti so he sold them Neymar to destroy them from the inside. Legend. #MyPresi pic.twitter.com/yLVte7zqck
— BlaugranaHome (@BlaugranaHome) February 14, 2018
Al khelaifi and Neymar when PSG finally gets knocked out in Paris pic.twitter.com/kC3Rw4H8ZU
— mariam (@FCBMariam_) February 14, 2018