Barcelona emerged victorious in a thrilling Champions League encounter, securing a narrow one-goal advantage as they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
The reigning French champions were left rueing a lackluster and inexperienced display as they succumbed to a defeat on their home turf.
Xavi’s youthful Barcelona side displayed composure and determination to clinch a well-deserved victory at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.
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The match unfolded with a flurry of action, as Barcelona came close to breaking the deadlock early on when Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to deal with Ilkay Gundogan’s corner, only for Robert Lewandowski’s header to be cleared off the line by Nuno Mendes.
PSG appealed for a penalty when Kylian Mbappe was brought down by Joao Cancelo in the box, but the offside flag had already been raised. VAR briefly reviewed the incident for a potential red card, as Cancelo’s high boot caught Mbappe on the ankle.
Barcelona seized the lead just before halftime, as Raphinha capitalized on a defensive error to find the top corner with a composed finish.
However, PSG quickly leveled the score three minutes into the second half, with Ousmane Dembele firing home from close range after Barcelona failed to clear Mbappe’s dangerous cross.
The hosts then took the lead moments later, as Vitinha converted a well-crafted move down the right flank.
Barcelona responded swiftly, with Pedri providing a delightful lofted pass for Raphinha to volley home the equalizer.
Ronald Araujo’s crucial intervention denied PSG a clear scoring opportunity, while Ter Stegen made a superb save to deny Bradley Barcola’s powerful strike.
Barcelona seized the lead once again with 15 minutes remaining, as Andreas Christensen headed Gundogan’s corner into the net.
Despite PSG’s late efforts, they failed to trouble Ter Stegen, leaving them with a significant challenge ahead as they travel to Catalonia for the second leg.