Paris St Germain came from a goal down to secure a late 2-1 win over Barcelona in a gripping Champions League encounter on Wednesday. The defending champions overcame a series of injuries to claim a valuable away victory.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the winner in the 90th minute, after PSG had fallen behind early in the match. This marked the third consecutive triumph for PSG over Barcelona in the Catalan capital and maintained their perfect start to the Champions League campaign, following a 4-0 opening victory over Atalanta.
Yamal returns for Barcelona
Barcelona, boosted by the return of 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, started the game strongly. The Ballon d’Or runner-up, who had missed Barcelona’s opening win at Newcastle United, impressed from the outset with a mazy dribble and cross in the second minute that Ferran Torres failed to convert.
Barcelona’s early pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Marcus Rashford delivered a precise pass across the box for Torres, who beat the offside trap to slot past PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
PSG responded with determination despite missing captain Marquinhos and their starting attacking trio of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, along with midfielder Joao Neves, who was injured during the warm-up. The French side soon took control of the match, with Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny producing a fine save to palm away a powerful free kick from Achraf Hakimi that was heading for the top-right corner.
PSG equalised in the 38th minute. Nuno Mendes embarked on a dazzling run down the left, beating three defenders before setting up 19-year-old Senny Mayulu, who finished clinically into the bottom corner. Bradley Barcola had a chance to give PSG the lead four minutes later but shot well over the crossbar after running past Eric Garcia inside the box.
PSG pressure pays off late
PSG continued to threaten in the second half as Barcelona’s defence struggled to contain their pace. Ibrahim Mbaye came close with a strike from inside the box in the 50th minute, and Szczesny made a stunning save to block a Barcola effort two minutes later.
Barcelona also had opportunities, including a Dani Olmo effort in the 62nd minute that was cleared off the line by Hakimi after beating the goalkeeper.
PSG finally scored the winning goal in the 90th minute. Following a shot from substitute Lee Kang-in that hit the post in the 83rd minute, Hakimi delivered a precise cross for Ramos to fire home from close range.
“It was a close match, but we still believed in ourselves despite facing a lot of injuries. Those who played were top notch,” PSG defender Mendes said. “We need players who come in and help us when needed, playing our style of football. We showed our work at the top level. We know this year will be more difficult because everyone wants to beat us. We are focused and always come to win.”
Barcelona will host Olympiacos in their next group-stage match on October 21, while PSG travel to Bayer Leverkusen.
