PSG vs Barcelona LIVE: Champions League result and final score after five-goal thriller in Paris
PSG 2-3 Barcelona: Barca withstood a second-half comeback to stun the hosts in Paris and take a narrow lead back to Spain
Raphinha scored twice to help Barcelona secure a 3-2 win at Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Barca dominated proceedings early on against the French side still looking for a first Champions League crown and led through a Raphinha strike in the 37th minute.
However, PSG piled on the pressure after the break and levelled in the 48th minute through a stunning Ousmane Dembele strike into the top corner before going ahead when Vitinha stroked the ball in two minutes later.
But Raphinha’s deft volley in the 62nd minute brought the match level again, before Andreas Christensen headed in from a corner 13 minutes from time to give the Spanish side a narrow advantage going into next week’s second leg.
Follow live updates in tonight’s match blog, below, and get the latest odds and tips, here.
Kylian Mbappe anonymous as Barcelona edge PSG in Champions League thriller
Barcelona came from behind to claim a dramatic 3-2 first-leg win at Paris Saint-Germain in another thrilling night of Champions League quarter-final action.
After a bright PSG start, Barcelona took control of the tie and Raphinha scored his first Champions League goal when Gianluigi Donnarumma spilled Lamine Yamal’s cross.
PSG were booed off the pitch as the half-time whistle blew at the Parc des Princes but Luis Enrique switched his team’s shape and it led to a stunning turnaround immediately after the restart.
Ousmane Dembele struck a thunderous finish to equalise against his former club and with the momentum now with the hosts, Vitinha cut through Barcelona just two minutes later to give PSG the lead.
But there would be another dramatic comeback, as Raphinha connected with an exquisite volley to drag Barcelona level. Andreas Christensen then came off the bench to head the winner from a corner, giving Barcelona a narrow advantage ahead of the return leg next week.
Here’s what we learned from another thrilling night of Champions League action:
Kylian Mbappe anonymous as Barcelona edge PSG in Champions League thriller
PSG 2-3 Barcelona: It was a quiet night for the home star as Barca came from behind to win a dramatic quarter-final first leg
And PSG manager Luis Enrique has his say
“It was a pity. I think we started the match properly, but after we conceded the goal, it was a bit disappointing. The second half started the best way for us, we could have scored a third. It’s a result that is a pity for us but we still have the spirit to go to Barcelona to win.
“Sometimes you have to change things. We created more chances. The team was at a high level in that moment of the match, but Barcelona are a good team.
“We’ll have to play as a team and try to overcome Barcelona. We are going to go with the best attitude and commitment to try to win the match.”
Barcelona boss Xavi speaks to TNT Sports after his side’s win
“It is a big win. Playing away in the Champions League is always a big win. We did really well, especially in defence, everyone worked for the team. The wingers helped a lot. We defended Mbappe so well with Kounde and Ronald Araujo.
“I’m very happy and very proud of the team. But it’s just half of the work. The game in Barcelona will be difficult because Paris Saint-Germain are one of the best teams in Europe.
“We have to be proud [of our youngsters]. Players from La Masia have more commitment. We are a new Barca and in a good place, I think. It’s a small advantage, so now we will recover well for the home second leg.”
Meanwhile in Madrid...
Atletico take a 2-1 aggregate advantage through to the second leg. Borussia Dortmund were much, much better after the interval and came close to an equaliser in stoppage time:
FT: PSG 2-3 Barcelona
Given how open that second half was particularly, though, you’d imagine we’ll have at least a goal or two more at the Olympic Stadium next week. Barcelona travel to Cadiz between the legs; PSG, perhaps usefully, have a weekend off Ligue 1 action.
FT: PSG 2-3 Barcelona
Another corking first leg in this fine week of Champions League action. Barcelona take a slender lead into their home half of the tie, Andreas Christensen’s header earning an advantage in a helter-skelter second half. Paris Saint-Germain had turned the game around early in the second half, two goals in quick succession putting Luis Enrique’s side in front after Raphinha had opened the scoring just before half-time.
But a delicious pass from Pedri set up the Brazilian for a second before Christensen capitalsied on a corner to leave the Catalans in the ascendancy.
PSG 2-3 Barcelona, 90 + 2 minutes
PSG work the ball right and then left in search of an opening, but Barcelona have bodies in the way. Ousmane Dembele lifts the ball high into the air and Goncalo Ramos pursues hopefully, but it’s overhit and a simple one for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to settle belief.
Kylian Mbappe sends the ball forward with greater pace and purpose, his shot deflected behind. The corner, though, is tame, and again lands in Ter Stegen’s hands.
PSG 2-3 Barcelona, 90 minutes
Bradley Barcola pulls the ball back in the direction of Goncalo Ramos and Ousmane Dembele, though it is Joao Cancelo best placed to pick it up, the full-back clearing.
Four additional minutes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments