PSG came out on top in what was a highly anticipated clash since the Champions League calendar had been published. FC Barcelona and PSG faced off for the first time since the Parisians had knocked the home side out in the 2024 quarterfinals at the exact same stadium. This time around, PSG were missing five of their starters and FC Barcelona were the favourites.
They started off well and Ferran Torres opened the scoring after great team play in the 19th minute. FC Barcelona were playing better but looked vulnerable sometimes when PSG launched counterattacks. 20 minutes later FC Barcelona were caught out by Nuno Mendes, as he dribbled all the way to the final third and assisted Mayulu’s equaliser.
As the second half began, it became clear that PSG had made the sufficient adjustments to dominate FC Barcelona, as they took control of the ball for the majority of the half. Both teams were extremely exhausted coming into the final stretch and Gonçalo Ramos took advantage of this, as he broke free from Barcelona’s centre backs to slot in the winner in the 90th minute.
In the end, PSG proved to be too much for FC Barcelona, even though they were missing a lot of key players due to injury. The hosts will have to improve, especially defensively against rapid wingers like PSG’s, if they want to contend for the title again.
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