Champions League: PSG wins against Barca the big show of favorites

Paris St. Germain wants to be the second club after Real Madrid (from 2016 to 2018) to win the Champions League three times in a row. Even for FC Barcelona, PSG was too strong at 4:2 (1:1) in an incredible game. Vitinha (81st minute) and Fabian Ruiz (87th) decided the premier class spectacle after Xavi Espart (55th) and Lamine Yamal (79th) balanced two French tours by Lucas Hernandez (72th) and Désiré Doué (38th). By Sebastian Hochrainer Those responsible for both teams were very keen in the run-up to this game to emphasize that this was not an anticipated final. Many had seen the game as a possible foretaste of what could happen on June 5, 2027, at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid. After all, PSG is the dominator of recent Champions League history and Barcelona in Spain is the nonplus ultimate with a perfect start of eleven victories in series. Flick leaves Rodri surprisingly on the bench But with the premier class champion of the past two seasons, the team of Hansi Flick were for the first time the limits indicated. Curiously, the former federal coach had decided not to rely on Rodri in midfield, but on Marc Bernal. This took revenge, the Parisians were clearly game-determining in the Centraum, while Barca repeatedly allowed himself ball losses, which led to (great) opportunities. The first example was immediately after 80 seconds, when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the post after one mistake of Pedri from 20 meters (2.). A short time later, Joan Garcia had to intervene within a few seconds after similar situations against Ousmane Dembélé and Doué (5.). The Barca goalkeeper should have to intervene several times in the following and keep his team in the game. Paris' dominance simply pays off in the first round, Garcia parried eight balls that hit his goal - in the history of the competition, Barca had never had to take more shots at his own case in one half than in the first 45 minutes. Ten were the number including the post shot - and including the 1:0. This fell into the center after a much too casual pass of superstar Yamal, after which PSG quickly switched and Doué chased the ball from 18 meters into the corner (38.). With this result, the Catalans were still well served, especially ex-colleague Ferran Torres had missed further great opportunities before the leadership. After his substitution in the 20th minute for the injured Dembélé, he failed twice from a short distance to Garcia (25./29.). However, it is also true that it was not a completely one-sided game, Barca also had top opportunities, especially Fermin Lopez in the 40th. Minute when he showed up freely in front of Matvey Safonov, but failed at the PSG-Keeper. Garcia enables compensation by Xavi Espart After the break, the game changed, Luis Enrique apparently instructed his team to position themselves lower and bet on counter instead of the previously high pressing. Barcelona had so much more possession, but the guests still needed a Garcia in top form. Achraf Hakimi had the 2:0 on his foot shortly after the change of sides, the 25-year-old reacted outstandingly again (51.), it was similar shortly afterwards against Joao Neves (53.). And that paid off, because his teammates made sure that Garcia’s deeds were worthwhile for the time being. Because a little later Espart took care of the 1:1, when he caught Safonov in the short corner (55.). The right-back is one of the discoveries of Flick and another top talent from the own junior academy "La Masia", which had already produced so many later superstars. Hernandez lets PSG cheer again Barca was now fully in the game, but Raphinha forgave the big chance to lead (57.). After that, the Brazilian, who had previously been injured, was replaced, Bernal also went out and Rodri came to draw the game even more to the side of the Catalans. Without his involvement, his team showed the most beautiful attack so far, Yamal finally put the ball on the also substitute Gavi, but Safonov got just the legs closed (61.). The biggest possibility for the 2:1 again missed Paris - again Ferran Torres, who did not use the third perfect preparation and met the post from six meters (71.). However, after the subsequent clarification action there was a corner ball, which then gave PSG the lead. Hernandez had the perfect timing and significantly more power than his opponent Anthony Gordon, weighed the ball into the corner (72.). Yamal brilliant, but then come Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz Then there was the great moment of the perhaps coming world footballer. Yamal got the ball on his right side after a mistake by Warren Zaire-Emery, who had just replaced Hernandez, played it out and shot it into the short corner 2-2 (79th). But in a game full of highlights, this was of course not the last, Paris shook short and struck again. The hosts immediately pressed again and Vitinha got a clarified ball on the chest, made him clap perfectly and fired him volley for the third lead past the flying Garcia (81.). This time Barca did not return, but PSG followed suit, Fabian Ruiz made the decision (87th). Not only did Paris remain unbeaten in the Champions League for the 13th time in a row and end Barcelona's perfect start to the season - the Enrique team impressively showed that it is still number one in the premier class.