Barcelona got here from behind to say a dramatic 3-2 first-leg victory against Paris Saint-Germain in one other thrilling Champions League quarter-final match.
After a vibrant start from PSG, Barcelona took control of the tie and Raphinha scored his first Champions League goal when Gianluigi Donnarumma smashed in Lamine Yamal’s cross.
PSG were booed off the pitch after the first-half whistle on the Parc des Princes, but Luis Enrique transformed his team’s form, resulting in a surprising turnaround immediately after the restart.
Ousmane Dembele scored a surprising equalizer against his former club and with the momentum now gained by the hosts, Vitinha broke through Barcelona just two minutes later to present PSG the lead.
But there was one other dramatic comeback as Raphinha hit an exceptional volley to place Barcelona level. Andreas Christensen then got here off the bench to move in a corner kick to present Barcelona a slim advantage ahead of next week’s second leg.
Here’s what we learned from one other exciting evening of Champions League motion
Kylian Mbappe disappears while other stars shine in the thriller
Another exciting evening in the Champions League, but where was Kylian Mbappe? After yesterday’s drama on the Emirates and Bernabeu, one other stunning quarter-final first leg took place on the Parc des Princes, with Barcelona coming from behind to beat PSG and take the lead against Spain.
There were phenomenal attacking performances everywhere in the pitch, particularly from Barcelona striker Raphinha, as the previous Leeds striker scored his first Champions League goals, including an exceptional volley from Pedri’s deflected ball. On the opposite hand, Ousmane Dembele took the initiative and led the best way after the break, scoring an equalizer for his former club.
Mbappe, nevertheless, was largely anonymous, barely having any contact with the ball, let alone an electrical dribble or probability, save for a late late shot that deflected off goal. A burst of acceleration saved the ball off the touchline just before Dembele hit the roof of the web, but that was it and Jules Kounde, Mbappe’s international teammate, did a superb job of stopping him.
Mbappe is predicted to depart PSG at the top of the season and if this was his last appearance for Paris in the Champions League, his departure was certain.
Barcelona exposes PSG’s soft center as Donnarumma struggles
Another hugely disappointing evening for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, with the crux of the issue once more being defensive weakness in the cup decider.
The focus was on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who never felt comfortable coping with crosses as Barcelona initially attacked the Italian international with a series of quick passes. Donnarumma showed no glory when he sent in Yamal’s cross, which led to Raphinha’s opener, after which failed to regulate the penalty area late in the sport as Christensen put Barcelona ahead. It was coming.
Donnarumma also faced problems because of the nice play of versatile center forward Robert Lewandowski. The 35-year-old performed brilliantly together with his back to goal, winning duels with Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo, and likewise made a superb turn to beat three PSG players from play after the move that led to Raphhinha’s first goal.
As for PSG, where was the resilience and defensive solidity? Once again, it cost the Parisians the Champions League.
Xavi and Luis Enrique clash in an exciting tactical battle
It was an evening for the impact substitute. Both Xavi and Luis Enrique were in a position to change the rhythm and dynamics of the sport with their substitutions, which led to an interesting competition between the managers on the touchline and the players on the pitch.
Barcelona manager Xavi did greater than cope together with his former Barcelona coach Enrique, and his starting line-up selection allowed the visitors to take control of the quarter-final. Xavi also modified his tactics, going on to Robert Lewandowski, whom PSG couldn’t deal with in the early stages.
However, Enrique took motion at half-time, taking control of Barcelona before removing Marco Asensio’s ineffective false nine and bringing on Bradley Barcola. The move allowed Dembele to strike a surprising equalizer before Vitinha gave PSG the lead just two minutes later.
Xavi then responded by adapting to the situation, taking down Lamine Yamal and picking up Pedri to assist Barcelona maintain their position in midfield. The change had a right away effect – the previous Kopa Cup winner equalized Raphhinha with a superb shot over the PSG defense.
Then got here one other twist. Barcelona had been causing PSG problems all evening with their dynamic corner kicks, so introducing a tall centre-back in Andreas Christensen was Xavi’s next move, and the defender soon put Barcelona back in front.
Barcelona’s teenage stars shine on the large stage
What a night it was for Barcelona’s legendary academy, La Masia, as history was made in the Parc des Princes. Lamine Yamal (16 years old) became the youngest player to play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Pau Cubarsi, on the age of 17, became the second youngest player, positioning himself at the guts of the defense.
Yamal has been a rising star this season, having already played a number one role in the Spanish national team, so it was Cubarsi who probably made the largest impression, looking extremely confident and guaranteed in central defense. Cubarsi was composed on the ball and infrequently made mistakes. Barcelona has one other gem on its hands.
Pedri also deserves a mention. The 21-year-old has struggled with serious injury problems since breaking into the starting lineup as a youngster two years ago, so his assist for Raphinha’s equalizer was an important reminder of his own talent.
Haller’s goal gives Dortmund hope against Atletico
Borussia Dortmund created its own problems for Atletico Madrid as defensive errors gave the German team a mountain to climb, but Sebastian Haller’s late goal secured salvation on the Wanda Metropolitano.
Dortmund gave Rodrigo de Paul the primary goal after just 4 minutes in Madrid, before one other defensive misunderstanding allowed Antoine Griezmann to establish Samuel Lino so as to add a second just after the half-hour.
Haller’s instinctive turn and finish made for an intriguing second leg next week in Dortmund, changing the dynamic of the match as Julian Brand got here near equalizing in stoppage time with a header that hit the crossbar.
Credit : www.independent.co.uk