Barcelona, five times champions, rallied from behind to secure a narrow lead against Paris St-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash in France.
Facing the threat of being overwhelmed by the fervent Parisian crowd, Xavi’s Barcelona utilized their substitutes brilliantly, ultimately shifting the momentum in their favor.
Raphinha, the Brazilian winger, seized the opportunity to put his team in the lead by skillfully slotting home a loose ball, marking his debut Champions League goal.
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This came after Gianluigi Donnarumma, the PSG goalkeeper, managed only to deflect a low cross. However, PSG quickly retaliated after halftime, as Ousmane Dembele capitalized on a defensive error to score into the top corner, followed by Vitinha finding the far corner after receiving a pass down the right flank.
Substitute Bradley Barcola then hit the bar for the hosts as they swarmed all over a Barcelona side playing at this stage of the competition for the first time since 2020.
Spain midfielder Pedri was introduced and his impact was immediate with a delightful ball over the PSG defence superbly volleyed home by Raphinha with the outside of his right foot.
Dembele clipped the outside of the post as both sides pressed, but it was Barcelona sub Andreas Christensen who found the winner, heading home a corner from four yards after being left unmarked in the centre of the goal.
The second leg takes place in Spain on Tuesday, 16 April.
BY: EMMANUEL AMOAH
