After a nail-biting encounter, FC Barcelona emerged victorious over PSG in Paris. The French side showed early signs of venom in the game, but La Blaugrana emerged as the final victors. A 3-2 scoreline serves Barcelona well as they await the next leg in their home at the Montjuic Stadium.
Two crucial goals from Raphinha and one from late hero Andreas Christensen all gave Barcelona a lifeline. On the other end, a familiar face added insult to injury but that was cooled off soon enough courtesy of the brilliant substitutions made by Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez.
Here is how the Barcelona players fared against PSG.
Player Ratings:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 7.5
Throughout the first half, the German goalkeeper remained as composed as ever. Barely letting PSG get even a sniff of his goal, his ball-playing and handling were both faultless. However, his sluggishness in the second half ended up costing Barcelona.
Joao Cancelo: 7.5
Despite the fact that Joao Cancelo created some solid chances for Barcelona, his faults must be highlighted too. On more than one occasion, his decision to take a strike himself instead of passing the ball to better options ended up costing Barcelona some great positions.
Pau Cubarsi: 8.5
Very few can still argue the merits of Pau Cubarsi, and the youngster continues to prove himself. Despite the two goals that Barcelona did end up conceding, the young 17-year-old Spaniard made sure to keep even the likes of Kylian Mbappe at bay whenever he got close.
Ronald Araujo: 9.0
An absolute sentinel in defense, Ronald Araujo was immaculate. No matter who got close enough to him, even if it was the dreadful French ace of PSG, the Uruguayan closed down each and every one of his opponents with great expertise. Great performance from him.
Jules Kounde: 9.0
Many compliments can be given to defenders to show praise, but being given praise for having contained Kylian Mbappe is a compliment beyond anything else. Moreover, the French defender even managed to contribute heavily in the attack as well.
Frenkie De Jong: 7.5
He may not have had the flashy moments that some of his other peers had, but Frenkie De Jong contributed his own unique kind of qualities. The sustainability of possession and the composure that came through his presence was immense.
Sergi Roberto: 6.5
Did the general things well and did not commit too many mistakes. However, he was not the differential player that Barcelona needed to make the improvements they so desperately needed in the game. He was also booked and will now miss the second leg.
Ilkay Gundogan: 8.5
Almost playing with a sense of inevitability, Ilkay Gundogan was once again commandeering the Barcelona midfield. The German commander even provided the assist for Andreas Christensen’s goal that proved to be a key third goal for Barcelona in Paris.
Raphinha: 9.5
The hero for Barcelona on more than one occasion, Raphinha showcased his best version against PSG. While both goals had external factors involved, it was ultimately his clinical finishing that got La Blaugrana two very important goals in moments of great need.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.5
The Polish striker may not have been on the scoresheet, but his contributions in the game were massive. Physically dominant for once, he constantly kept PSG struggling against his prowess both on the ground and even in the air.
Lamine Yamal: 6.5
One of his quieter nights, Lamine Yamal was honestly not at his best. Some of his decision-making was subpar, and the young Spaniard was constantly in the shadow of his other partner on the wing, Raphinha. He was also one of Xavi’s first changes in the game.
Substitutes:
Pedri: 8.0
A brilliantly timed substitution by Xavi, Pedri’s return was exactly what Barcelona needed. His sensational assist to Raphinha reignited the spark that Barcelona so desperately missed, and his presence gave La Blaugrana a sense of control they sourly missed without him.
Joao Felix: 7.0
A replacement for Lamine Yamal, and it was clear to see why. The Portuguese forward showed all the tricks up his sleeve as he confused and dismissed the PSG defenders with almost every touch he took.
Andreas Christensen: 7.5
While the Dane may have picked up a booking that will see him miss the second leg, he was the final hero for Barcelona as well. Connecting well with Ilkay Gundogan’s brilliant delivery, the Danish defender headed away the goal that ultimately gave Barcelona the victory.
Ferran Torres: N/A
Not enough time or impact on the game to warrant a rating.
Fermin Lopez: N/A
Not enough time or impact on the game to warrant a rating.
