In a match that had everything from early promise to heartbreaking late twists, Paris Saint-Germain claimed a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Wednesday night. The game, played at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc, showcased the reigning European champions' resilience against a Barcelona side hungry for a statement win under Hansi Flick.
Barcelona struck first, capitalizing on a swift counter just minutes in, with Ferran Torres nodding home from a precise cross to send the home crowd into frenzy. It seemed like the Catalans might build on their opening-week triumph over Newcastle. Yet PSG, coached by former Barça boss Luis Enrique, refused to buckle. They dominated possession in the second half, pressing high and forcing errors from a depleted Barcelona defense missing key figures.
Indeed, the Parisians equalized through a well-worked move, Ousmane Dembélé—once a Barcelona darling—threading a pass for Bradley Barcola to finish coolly. The momentum shifted palpably. Barcelona pushed back, but their attacks grew frantic, lacking the clinical edge of earlier seasons. Then, in the 90th minute, Gonçalo Ramos pounced on a loose ball to seal the win, leaving Flick's men stunned and the stadium in stunned silence.
Moreover, this result underlines PSG's depth, even without some stars, as they sit atop the group with six points from two games. Barcelona, now with three, face a tougher road ahead in the revamped format. Injuries hampered both sides—Barça without Gavi and others, PSG missing a few too—but the French outfit's composure shone through. Luis Enrique's tactical nous, drawing on his Barcelona past, proved decisive once more.
However, for Barcelona fans, it's a reminder of vulnerabilities exposed. The loss stings, especially at home, and raises questions about sustaining Flick's high-pressing style against elite opposition. As the Champions League grinds on, both teams will regroup, but this encounter hints at the fine margins that define the tournament's unpredictability.
