In a pulsating Champions League clash that lived up to every expectation, Paris Saint-Germain pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday night at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The match, a rematch of sorts from last season's quarterfinals, saw PSG come from behind with a late winner, but it was the performance of 17-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye that had scouts and fans buzzing long after the final whistle.
Barcelona struck first through Ferran Torres in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse that exposed PSG's injury-ravaged backline. Yet, the Parisians, missing several key stars, refused to crumble. Senny Mayulu leveled the score just before halftime, slotting home a precise cross from Nuno Mendes. Indeed, it was a moment of youthful promise, with Mayulu and Mbaye—both teenagers—starting up front under Luis Enrique's bold tactics. Mbaye, in particular, troubled Barcelona's right flank relentlessly, his pace and dribbling drawing fouls and creating chances that kept the Catalan defense on edge.
The second half unfolded in breathless fashion. Substitute Lee Kang-in rattled the post early on, hinting at PSG's growing dominance. But it was Goncalo Ramos who sealed the drama, rifling in a 90th-minute winner after a clever assist from Achraf Hakimi. Barcelona, for all their possession—clocking 62%—managed just one shot on target after the break, a stark reminder of their ongoing struggles to convert pressure into goals. Hansi Flick's side, already dealing with injuries to Lewandowski and others, looked vulnerable against PSG's resilient counterattacks.
However, the real story brewing here might be off the pitch. Mbaye, a product of PSG's academy, has been linked with a move to Barcelona, who are reportedly leading the chase despite interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. His display—earning a solid 7.2 rating and completing 85% of his passes—only fuels the speculation. PSG's youth gamble paid off spectacularly this time, but with Mbaye's contract up for renewal talks, questions linger about his long-term future in Paris.
Moreover, this win catapults PSG to the top of their league phase group with six points from two matches, while Barcelona slips to third. It's a result that underscores Enrique's tactical nous, even amid the absences. Yet, as the transfer window rumors swirl around talents like Mbaye, one can't help but wonder if this rivalry will soon feature him in Blaugrana colors.