In the action-packed Champions League quarter-final at Park des Princes, players from Barcelona Rafinha and Kristensen clinched victories. The football achievements that FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain showed on Wednesday were among their most exciting in recent memory.
In Short
The score fluctuated throughout the thrilling match at Parc des Princes, but Barcelona eventually prevailed 3-2 to move one step closer to sealing a position in the Champions League semifinal against either Borussia Dortmund or Atletico Madrid.
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Kylian Mbappe
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Barcelona’s Lead
Things would ultimately be decided by Kristensen’s header, meaning Barcelona now holds a one-goal lead and home advantage for the second leg next Tuesday. But nothing is set in stone. Teams like PSG can’t be taken lightly. However, Barcelona is currently in a very good position and will depart from the French capital with a big smile on their face. Smiles that are being shared worldwide at this moment!
Frankie and Pedri Return
One of the biggest stories of the day unfolded even before the game started. Not only was Frankie de Jong fit and in the starting lineup, but Pedri was also ready and waiting on the bench.
Indeed, it was a brilliant lob forward by the Canarian forward, marking his return by assisting Rafinha’s equalizer in the 62nd minute. What a way to mark his comeback!
Rafinha Opener
PSG was clearly excited about it and made their presence felt in the early minutes, but they were only able to capitalize on half-chances, leaving Ter Stegen untroubled. Such onslaughts from all sides had them caught off guard. As a result, Barcelona, despite both teams being quiet, were the ones presented with the biggest opportunities, including a chance from Lewandowski that Nuno Mendes did well to shepherd out.
Barcelona took some time to build momentum, but once they did, they ensured it counted. Lenglet was targeting Lewandowski, and though Donnarumma got there first, he could only divert the ball into the path of Rafinha… and it was the Brazilian’s first Champions League goal… sealing a 1-0 victory for Catalonia! Still, within the first five minutes of the restart, Barcelona was playing catch-up.
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Kylian Mbappe
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PSG Changes
After celebrating so many of Ousmane Dembélé’s goals in recent years, it’s now time to lament. Ronald Araujo blocked a shot straight into the former blogger’s path, and it was a fantastic finish for Ter Stegen. There was no time to digest this blow before the through ball to Vittinha at the end and the score was 2-1.
Back in Charge
It could have gotten even worse if Ter Stegen hadn’t pushed Bradley Barcola’s effort onto the crossbar, but a fairly comfortable situation quickly turned very worrisome. It was resolved immediately by Pedri’s delightful lob, and in the same spectacular fashion, Rafinha once again elevated this extraordinary match to another level with a volley.
PSG had two good chances to re-establish their lead, but Barcelona denied them with some superb saves from Araujo and Kilian Mbappé. Birthday Boy Kristensen stood tall at the corner to put Barcelona ahead again, and this time it was for good! The Dane is such an important player, but it’s unfortunate that he won’t be able to play in the return leg, as both he and captain Sergi Roberto had to endure yellow card suspensions tonight.
The match ended at 3-2, but there are still 90 minutes left. Act II kicks off at the Estadio Olímpico next Tuesday night at 12:30 IST. And we can’t wait!
photos source : X
