Champions League: PSG rocks Barcelona in Paris
No Zlatan? No Problem.
Despite missing talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint Germain managed to beat Barcelona 3-2 in a thrilling Champions League Group F encounter at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday morning (Oct 1, Singapore time).
The Catalans, who had not even conceded a goal all season in seven matches before this one, fell behind inside 10 minutes when David Luiz prodded in his first PSG goal.
Barcelona needed just two minutes to draw level thanks to a marvellous Lionel Messi strike, but Marco Verratti headed the hosts back in front after 26 minutes and Blaise Matuidi added another in the 54th minute.
Neymar reduced the deficit, yet PSG held on for their first win in the group after a 1-1 draw at Ajax two weeks ago, while Barca failed to build on a narrow 1-0 win over APOEL of Cyprus in their first outing.
Neymar was denied another victory. Here he is getting tackled by PSG defender Gregory Van der Wiel . Photo AFP
“We were up against a rival of the same level as us and we had the kind of difficulties that are normal in such a game.” - Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, after the match.
“In the end I think we could have drawn and it would have been a fair result," he added.
PSG coach Laurent Blanc added: “I am very satisfied. It was an extraordinary match and what I will take away from it was our collective performance.
“I think for those who like Paris Saint-Germain and French football it was a good evening.” - PSG coach Laurent Blanc
Related report: Chelsea beat stubborn Sporting Lisbon by one goal
Source, AFP, YouTube
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