PSG defeats Barcelona 2-1 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash

Paris Saint-Germain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a thrilling Champions League encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday night. Despite missing several first-team regulars due to injuries, the reigning European champions maintained their perfect start to the group phase and extended their impressive run against Barcelona on Spanish soil.

Barcelona started brightly, buoyed by the return of young sensation Lamine Yamal. Their positive play paid off in the 19th minute when Marcus Rashford slipped a precise pass to Ferran Torres, who beat the offside trap and calmly finished past PSG’s Lucas Chevalier to give the hosts a deserved lead.

PSG, unfazed by their uphill battle, found their rhythm as the first half progressed. Wojciech Szczesny denied Achraf Hakimi with a spectacular save from a free kick, but the pressure told in the 38th minute. Full-back Nuno Mendes embarked on a surging run down the left and squared for 19-year-old Senny Mayulu, who coolly slotted in his first Champions League goal to equalize.

The visitors nearly took the lead before the break, with Bradley Barcola missing a clear chance. Barcelona and PSG traded dangerous attacks in the second half, with Lee Kang-in hitting the post for PSG and Hakimi producing a crucial block to deny Dani Olmo at the other end.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, PSG delivered a devastating late blow. Achraf Hakimi surged forward on the counter and delivered a pinpoint cross for substitute Gonçalo Ramos, who found the net from close range in the 90th minute. The late winner sealed PSG’s third consecutive triumph at Barcelona and kept them atop the group standings.

With the result, PSG sits on six points from two matches, while Barcelona remains on three points heading into the remainder of the Champions League group stage.

Follow us on Tiktok for more football content