PSG Defeats Barcelona and Advances to Champions League Semi-Finals!
Parisians beat Barcelona 4-1 and overturn the first-leg disadvantage
The Champions League continues to exceed expectations! In another match filled with drama, turnarounds, and goals, PSG secured their spot in the semi-finals by defeating Barcelona 4-1! The first half was going well for the home team. Playing at a packed Olympic Stadium of Montjuic with an intense atmosphere, PSG was trying to push against the tide, but Barcelona, even without having much possession, managed to keep control. It was at the 13th minute when Yamal shone, getting past Nuno Mendes and setting up Raphinha to explode the stadium with a goal. The Brazilian’s third goal gave Barcelona a two-goal lead, even though they were allowing the opponent to take the initiative, they were dominating the game.
That was the story of the first half. Nuno Mendes had a mishap in the first goal, but with a brilliant move, he freed Barcola. Ronald Araújo had to bring him down, resulting in his expulsion. The downfall of Barcelona was beginning. The pressure from PSG increased, and at the 40th minute, the much talked-about law of the ex was demonstrated, as Dembelé equalized the game. PSG was going into halftime just one goal away from leveling the tie. As the second half began, the tension for Barcelona was palpable. With one player less and without the sacrificed youngster Lamine, who was substituted by Iñigo Martínez, the growth of Paris Saint-Germain was evident, but it was challenging to reach the goal. And if reaching near the goal is difficult, it’s better to attempt from afar – the quality of Vitinha was surprising, as the Portuguese midfielder tied the match with a powerful long-range shot at 54′. That was the start of seven overwhelming minutes for the home team – conceding only one goal, Xavi being sent off shortly after, and close to the hour mark, João Cancelo committed a foul inside the area. Mbappé appeared in the game to give his team the lead in both legs for the first time in the round.
That’s how PSG quickly took control of the game in just a few minutes. Barcelona hit the post through Gundogan, and Lewandowski could have made better decisions on two occasions, but the ball possession and even the opportunities – ter Stegen prevented a more unbalanced result – belonged to the visitors. Beyond the 90th minute, Mbappé scored again to seal the tie.
It was undoubtedly a night of spectacle, marked by Araújo’s expulsion. The feeling remains that even if Barcola – who once again displayed a superb performance, as he did in the first leg – had scored, Barcelona could have scored with 11 players on the field. Nevertheless, PSG deserves a lot of credit for going to Catalonia with the intention of turning things around and, with individual and collective quality, seizing their chances. Paris Saint-Germain is rightfully in the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face Borussia Dortmund.
