Josiah
Barcelona, five-time winners, managed to secure a narrow advantage over Paris St-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in France, despite initially trailing.
Under the helm of Xavi, Barcelona faced a daunting Parisian crowd but showcased resilience and tactical prowess, utilizing their bench effectively to turn the tide in their favor.
The breakthrough came from Brazilian winger Raphinha, who capitalized on a loose ball to score his first Champions League goal after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s parry from a low cross.
However, PSG swiftly responded after the break, with Ousmane Dembele finding the net with a powerful shot and Vitinha adding another goal by slotting into the far corner.
PSG, buoyed by their momentum, continued to press, with substitute Bradley Barcola even hitting the bar. Barcelona, competing at this stage for the first time since 2020, found themselves under immense pressure.
The introduction of Spain midfielder Pedri proved crucial, as his exquisite pass over the PSG defense was expertly volleyed home by Raphinha. Dembele came close to equalizing, hitting the post, but it was Barcelona substitute Andreas Christensen who sealed the victory, heading in a corner from close range.
However, Barcelona will face challenges in the second leg without Christensen and captain Sergi Roberto, both of whom received bookings in Paris.
The tie remains finely poised, and Barcelona, who have struggled to progress from this stage in recent attempts, will need to maintain their composure in the return leg in Spain on Tuesday, April 16th.
Source:BBC
