PSG Fight Back to Beat Barcelona 4-2 in Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind twice and scored twice in five minutes to beat Barcelona 4-2 in a Champions League thriller on Tuesday night.

PSG took the lead in the 38th minute, but Barcelona levelled on 55 minutes to make it 1-1. PSG went ahead again in the 72nd minute, only for Barcelona to equalise once more in the 79th. Then the hosts struck decisively, scoring in the 81st and 86th minutes to seal the victory.

PSG more clinical

Barcelona had more of the ball, with 54 per cent of possession to PSG’s 46. PSG were far sharper in front of goal, though. Both teams had 20 shots, but 14 of PSG’s were on target against Barcelona’s nine. PSG’s goalkeeper made seven saves, while Barcelona’s made ten.

The game was also notably clean. PSG were not booked all night, and Barcelona’s only yellow card came in the 17th minute. PSG won three more throw-ins than Barcelona but only two corners to their opponents’ three, a sign that their threat came from quick transitions rather than sustained pressure.

Memories of last season

The result follows a tight meeting between the sides last season. Ahead of that game, PSG came from a goal down to beat Barcelona 2-1 in the league phase, with a 90th-minute goal from Gonçalo Ramos. Tuesday’s contest produced even more drama, with the lead changing hands twice before PSG pulled clear. Al Jazeera

What it means

The win is a statement for PSG against one of Europe’s most storied clubs, and it leaves Barcelona to reflect on a late collapse after twice fighting back to level the game. Both teams will be back in domestic action this weekend before the next round of Champions League fixtures.