Barcelona secured a crucial away victory against Paris Saint Germain (PSG) on Tuesday night, emerging 3-2 victors in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie played at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
This result marks a significant turnaround for the Blaugrana, who have struggled against European giants in recent seasons.
Barcelona has always struggled to get wins at PSG’s home ground but secured a vital victory there on Tuesday night.
Raphina scored his first ever UEFA Champions League goal to open the scoring for Barcelona on the 37th minute of the game. PSG goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, parried Lamine Yamal’s cross into the Brazilian’s path, who hit a powerful strike past two defenders who took cover of the PSG goal.
The first half ended with Barcelona leading 1-0, but two quick fire goals in the space of five minutes after the break by Ousmane Dembele (48′) and Vitinha (51′) put the home side 2-1 up.
Xavi’s tactical prowess was on show as his substitutions were just spot on. He introduced Pedri into the game in the 61st minute and his first touch of the the ball was a sumptuous assist over the top of the PSG defense to Raphina to level things up.
The Barca coach once again made a magic substitution. He brought on former Chelsea defender, Andreas Christensen in the 75th minute. Two minutes later, he headed home from Gundogan’s corner kick to put Barcelona in front once again.
PSG pressed for the equalizer but it proved elusive and Barcelona claimed a rare win at the Parc des Princes.
The advantage now lies with the Blaugrana as they head home for the second leg encounter in a week’s time in the city of Barcelona.