Barcelona Fights Back To Claim 3-2 Win At PSG
Brazil forward Raphinha scored twice to help Barcelona secure a 3-2 win at Paris St Germain (PSG) in a thrilling UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg encounter, at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France.
Xavi’s side dominated proceedings early on against the French side still looking for a first Champions League crown. Raphinha gave the visitors the lead with a rebound strike in the 37th minute after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to clear a cross from his box.
However, PSG looked transformed after the break with manager Luis Enrique, a former Barca player and coach, switching things up and bringing on forward Bradley Barcola for Marco Asensio.
The attacking change resulted in an equaliser in the 48th minute when former Barcelona winder Ousmane Dembele smashed the ball into the top corner to make the scores 1-1.
The hosts then took the lead two minutes later through Vitinha, who fired the ball in from a quick counter attack. But Raphinha’s deft volley in the 62nd minute from a brilliant long pass by substitute Pedri brought the match level again, silencing the home crowd. 2-2!
In the 77th minute, Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen came off the bench to take advantage of a static Donnarumma to jump unchallenged in the six-yard-box and head in from a corner to give the Spanish side a narrow advantage going into next week’s second leg.
Another Champions League classic 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/Vk39ApUjCs
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2024
“It was a spectacular night, not only for me, but for the team as well,” Raphinha told reporters. “We have been working very hard to come out and play like we did, showing our grit with such a good atmosphere is a very positive sign moving forward.”
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe was nowhere to be found in Parc des Princes as five-time European champions Barcelona managed to neutralise France’s captain, who was often frustrated in his attempts up front.
The French champions came into the match unbeaten in their last 27 games in all competitions, but were undone by a fired-up Barcelona side looking to return the club to the summit of European football.
“We should be proud to say that Barca is alive,” Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez told reporters. “We understood how we had to work against one of the best teams in the world. It’s a small advantage but a victory that generates even more excitement in our city and within our fans.”
UEFA Champions League/Reuters/Chidi Nwoke.
