Andreas Christensen’s late second-half winner helped FC Barcelona safe a 3-2 victory in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain in the primary leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The Blaugranas did take the lead within the first half with the assistance of Raphinha‘s excellent aim however Dembele and Vitinha‘s objectives introduced the house aspect again into the sport proper after the beginning of the second half. Barcelona confirmed their mentality, coming back from 2-1 all the way down to win the sport by 3-2 on the Parc des Princes. The house aspect stored many of the possessions however could not win the primary leg and now it is a bonus for the Blaugranas within the second leg on the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys Stadium. That is FC Barcelona‘s first win within the UCL Quarter-final in 5 years since Lionel Messi left the membership.

Learn Additionally: PSG vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2023-24 QF: Raphinha and Christensen assist Barcelona with an enormous 3-2 win over PSG

PSG vs Barcelona: A blockbuster encounter on the Parc des Princes

The final time these two groups performed, PSG thrashed Barcelona 5-2 on mixture after a 4-1 win and a 1-1 draw within the spherical of 16 again in 2020-21. Paris Saint-Germain are sitting on the high of the Ligue 1 factors desk and taking part in good soccer underneath ex-Barcelona soccer supervisor Luis Enrique. Conversely, Barcelona’s season has been a hit-and-miss regardless of delivering some sensational performances on the massive events. Earlier than Barca’s qualification to the Quarters, Xavi had already introduced that he was leaving on the finish of the season. However his aspect has carried out brilliantly within the final couple of months and now they’re proper there, preventing for the Semi-Remaining spot of the UEFA Champions League 2023-24.

PSG had been the favourites earlier than coming into the conflict as they’ve the World’s greatest soccer participant in the intervening time proper now however Xavi confirmed his tactical masterclass, neutralizing Kylian Mbappe on the Parc des Princes. He was restricted to only three pictures, none of which had been heading in the right direction, and had the fewest touches of any outfield PSG participant to play the total sport (44). 

“The perfect participant on the planet, Kylian Mbappe, did not carry out as we speak and when he would not carry out then invariably PSG do not carry out,” mentioned 2008 Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand. “He cannot be as unhealthy once more. There isn’t a concern about him freezing on the massive stage, it’s usually when he comes alive. If he decides to show it on, then he’s the man that may take them via,” Ferdinand added.

The match began with a 50-50 contest on the Parc des Princes with the house followers making all of the noises. PSG had a number of good probabilities early within the match, however Raphinha transformed first for the guests for his first-ever UCL aim. The Blaugaranas had taken a 37th-minute lead regardless of PSG’s domination within the early levels. However PSG made an enormous turnaround within the second half and adjusted all the pieces. 

Learn Additionally: Arsenal vs Bayern: The Bavarians safe a 2-2 draw in opposition to the high-flying Gunners within the first leg of the UCL 2023-24 Quarter-Finals

Ousmane Dembele, taking part in in opposition to his former membership discovered the web within the forty eighth minute after which Vitinha scored three minutes later to provide PSG the lead. However, the Barcelona gamers did not let their shoulders drop and Xavi Hernandez’s substitution labored like magic. Pedri got here in and assisted inside one minute for Raphinha and Barcelona’s second aim within the 62nd minute. Then, within the 77th minute, Andreas Christensen, one other substitute participant got here in from the bench and scored the all-important winner for the Blaugranas. However, what occurred within the second half?

Barcelona had been caught sleeping within the early levels of the second half and had been punished by Dembele and Vitinha. Dembele went on to have fun his aim in opposition to his former membership which is one other enormous speaking level however he performed good soccer within the match. In the meantime, Vitinha who had a really poor first season with the Paris-based membership, is now bossing their midfield. Though it was not an awesome efficiency from him, he scored an all-important aim to deliver his aspect again into the sport.

However, the match was not over and Xavi’s workforce silenced the house crowd, scoring the equaliser and the winner. It took Pedri solely 51 seconds to offer an help after coming off the bench in opposition to PSG. Raphinha from the center, volleyed the ball previous Donnarumma along with his left foot to make the scoreline equal. Within the defence line, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo had been excellent for the Catalonian workforce. They did concede two objectives however apart from that, it was a top-notch efficiency from the Barcelona backline.

Simply after conceding the equalizer, PSG virtually took the lead once more. A superb move from Vitinha and Dembele simply opened up and took a shot along with his proper foot to hit the publish. Xavi determined to deliver Ferran Torres and Christensen in to interchange Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong and it proved to be a masterclass transfer. Gundogan despatched in an ideal cross from the nook and the substitute, Christensen who simply got here in minutes earlier, headed the ball in for Barcelona’s third of the night time. Andreas Christensen, on his birthday, netted a clutch aim to provide his aspect the lead which was sufficient to defeat PSG at their turf. 

After this win, Barcelona would hope for a great sport at their house within the second half. Nonetheless, with Mbappe not having an awesome night time in Paris, PSG followers can hope for a magical turnaround on the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys Stadium subsequent week.