Barcelona vs PSG Review
Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first team ever to defeat the Catalans in three consecutive European away matches. Despite both sides missing key players, the match began at a frantic pace, with Lamine Yamal weaving past five opponents in a dazzling run within the opening minutes. PSG countered quickly when they had the ball and remained a constant threat, with Illia Zabarnyi nearly scoring from a corner.
As the game progressed, the crowded midfield often resembled a pinball machine, with neither team able to maintain control of the ball. Yamal delivered a defense-splitting pass to Ferran Torres, whose shot was blocked by Zabarnyi. However, Torres was not to be stopped, as he slid in to score the opening goal in the 19th minute, assisted brilliantly by Marcus Rashford.
As the match neared the 30-minute mark, Barcelona was gaining the upper hand, but the visitors remained threatening on every counterattack. Bradley Barcola missed a great chance, and shortly after, Wojciech Szczęsny had to stretch fully to block a free-kick from Achraf Hakimi. Nuno Mendes made a powerful run that resulted in a foul and a booking for Frenkie de Jong. Soon after, another strong advance by the PSG left-back ended with him setting up Senny Mayulu for the equalizer.
Barcola then squandered another clear opportunity as Barcelona’s defense became complacent approaching halftime, with the home team relieved when Michael Oliver blew the whistle. The second half began more cautiously for Barcelona, and some careless passing allowed PSG to control possession comfortably. Dani Olmo was the next player to receive a booking after stopping another quick PSG attack, while Rashford’s energetic runs were the main threat from the hosts. Olmo made a crucial goal-line clearance from Hakimi, and some long-range shots from the home side shifted momentum slightly. A triple substitution by Hansi Flick brought fresh energy to the game.
Pau Cubarsí and Ferran Torres made timely interventions to keep PSG from scoring as they pushed for a winner, nearly succeeding when Lee Kang-in struck a shot that hit the post. The visitors applied all the late pressure, so it was no surprise when Gonçalo Ramos took advantage of Barcelona’s high defensive line to score the winning goal. PSG’s win means they have now lost only once in their last seven Champions League matches (with six wins), ending Barcelona’s streak of just one home defeat in their previous 12 group or league stage games.
