Raphinha scored two targets and substitute Andreas Christensen sealed the win with a header as Barcelona defeated Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-2 within the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Christensen headed in a nook from İlkay Gündoğan within the 77th minute, beating PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from shut vary. Donnarumma selected to remain on his line relatively than problem for the ball.
Following Christensen’s decisive aim, PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared visibly disenchanted.
“We made things a bit difficult for ourselves. We managed to turn things around in the second half and could have had a third (goal),” Enrique said. “Everything’s nonetheless open for us, and we’ll go there with ambition.”
Raphinha’s efficiency stood out, contrasting with a lackluster displaying from PSG’s talisman Kylian Mbappe.
The Brazilian opened the scoring within the thirty seventh minute, and Ousmane Dembele equalized within the forty eighth towards their former membership. Three minutes later, midfielder Vitinha put PSG forward in a pulsating match the place Dembele hit the left submit moments earlier than Christensen’s aim.
Raphinha curled Barcelona forward after Donnarumma struggled with Lamine Yamal’s slick right-wing cross, which the 16-year-old Spain winger exquisitely flicked with the surface of their left foot.
Sloppy defending from each side adopted.
Mbappe’s left-wing cross was cleared by Ronald Araujo and fell to Dembele, who reduce inside Frenkie de Jong and slammed the ball previous goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Vitinha was given an excessive amount of house from Fabian Ruiz’s go and slid a shot underneath their physique.
Raphinha learn substitute Pedri’s fantastically weighted lengthy go and clipped a volley previous Donnarumma, making it 2-2 within the 62nd forward of Christensen’s winner. Raphinha turned and stood nonetheless, arms crossed, defying the PSG crowd jeering them.
A fan ran onto the sphere seconds after the ultimate whistle however was rapidly caught by stewards.
The return leg is subsequent Tuesday in Spain.
In the opposite quarterfinal Wednesday, Atletico Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at house.
The rivalry between PSG and Barcelona has intensified lately, with Barcelona once more within the driver’s seat.
PSG knocked Barcelona out within the spherical of 16 in 2021 however endured quarterfinal exits in 2013 and 2015. Then, in March 2017, Enrique’s Barca routed PSG 6-1 within the return leg of their last-16 match to make Champions League comeback historical past after shedding 4-0.
PSG don’t want a comeback of that magnitude however should enhance.
“We pressed very high up the field, and they tried to break our lines to find (striker Robert) Lewandowski. They did it very well, and it caused us problems,” PSG captain Marquinhos said. “It’s true that the small particulars make the distinction. Conceding a aim from a nook and permitting a second aim with the ball getting in behind us. It’s one thing we are able to’t afford to do subsequent week.”
Mbappe could must play much better than they did in Wednesday’s recreation, which went forward with a bolstered safety presence as a consequence of an alleged Islamic State terror menace towards Champions League matches this week. Some armed police have been stationed across the Parc des Princes stadium, however there have been no incidents.
Achraf Hakimi’s suspension pressured Enrique right into a reshuffle, and he positioned Marquinhos at proper again. Surprisingly, midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery was on the bench.
PSG made a shiny begin earlier than the guests took management.
Lewandowski’s header from Gündoğan’s cross was cleared off the road by Nuno Gomes, and moments later, Raphinha’s low drive drew a save from Donnarumma.
Donnarumma was at fault for the opening aim when he fisted Lamina’s cross down the center of the penalty space and was then stranded when Raphinha shot the primary time.
Source: www.dailysabah.com