Follow usBarcelona secured a narrow advantage over Paris St-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final clash in France, beating the French side 3-2.
Facing a daunting atmosphere in Paris, Barcelona initially struggled but manager Xavi’s strategic substitutions proved decisive in tilting the momentum in their favor.
The breakthrough came through Brazilian winger Raphinha, who capitalized on a loose ball to score his maiden Champions League goal after Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to hold onto a low cross.
However, PSG swiftly responded after the interval, with Ousmane Dembele equalizing by firing into the roof of the net following a defensive error, and Vitinha extending the lead with a precise finish from the right.
Barcelona endured intense pressure as PSG pressed for further goals, with substitute Bradley Barcola rattling the bar with a powerful effort. Yet, it was Barcelona’s turn to shine as they introduced midfielder Pedri, whose sublime pass was expertly volleyed home by Raphinha.
Despite Dembele striking the post, it was Barcelona substitute Andreas Christensen who emerged as the hero, nodding home a corner from close range after being left unmarked in the box.
With the stage set for a thrilling second leg in Spain on Tuesday, 16 April, Barcelona will aim to defend their slender advantage and secure a spot in the semi-finals to meet either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.
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