Barcelona defeated PSG at their own backyard 3-2 to have a slight edge in the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League 2023-24. Xavi and co. would see the semi-finals beckoning towards them and would be oozing with confidence ahead of the second leg on 17th April 2024.
Raphinha netted a brace for Barcelona as it proved to be a big shot in the arm for the young Barcelona team. The 27-year-old Brazilian winger utilised the wings extremely well and made sure that the visitors were on top in the match.
In the 37th minute of the game, it was a proper team goal. The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinho were involved in this goal as PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma forced the ball into the path of the Brazilian before he finished it.
At the end of the first half, the scoreline read 1-0 in favour of the visitors. Shortly after the commencement of the second half, PSG had netted their first goal and had equalised in this match.
Ousmane Dembele had found his name on the goal-scoring sheet and had pulled the trigger in the 48th minute of the game. Kylian Mbappe was near Dembele and when the latter tried passing the ball to him, there was a deflection off a Barca defender and fell in the trajectory of Dembele who finished it for PSG.
Vitinha had once again scored in the 50th minute and PSG were reaping benefits of their better performance in the second half. They had come with a renewed energy and plan and were constantly putting the Barcelona defensive department, under pressure.
The second goal of Barcelona in this match was a beauty. Pedri played a beautiful looping pass and Raphinha volleyed the ball into the back of the net to bring the match back on level grounds.
Andreas Christensen then scored a goal on his birthday in the 77th minute of the game. It was a perfect set-piece for the Catalan giants. Ilkay Gundogan had whipped in a cross and Christensen made a perfect header to make sure that Barcelona have the lead in the game.
The scoreline at the end of the game read 3-2 in favour of Xavi and his men and they would be pretty happy and contended with their performance in this match at the Parc des Princes.
Also read: UEFA Champions League 2023-24: Real Madrid & Manchester City Share Spoils In High-Scoring Encounter