PSG vs Barcelona

Advantage Barcelona after a thrilling victory over PSG in Paris

Sachin Bhat

Christensen’s Header Seals Barcelona’s Comeback Win Against PSG in Champions League Thriller

Barcelona secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday. The Catalans fought back from 2-1 down at the Parc des Princes, with Andreas Christensen netting the winner in the 77th minute.

Contesting their first clash since 2021, PSG and Barcelona came into the game on a good run of form, but the former began the match on a stronger foot, dominating possession and looking to create chances. Kylian Mbappe was presented with a half-chance in the fifth minute whereas Marco Asensio saw a shot saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen shortly after.

Barcelona took a while to get going but slowly wrestled back control of the game and went ahead in the 37th minute when Raphinha arrowed one into the top corner after some chaos in the penalty box. In almost identical fashion, Ousmane Dembele equalized for PSG minutes into the second half, latching onto a cut-back from Mbappe to make a clinical finish beyond Ter Stegen.

Another two minutes later, in the 50th minute, Vitinha turned the match around with a second goal for PSG after driving right through the heart of Barcelona’s defense for a low drive into the far corner. The visitors needed a response now and found it via Raphinha again, as the Brazilian raced forward to connect with a looping cross inside the box before making the finish.

Boos rung inside the Parc des Princes as PSG were left wanting another goal in their pursuit of victory. But much to their dismay, it was Barcelona who bagged the winner as Christensen headed in a corner from Ilkay Gundogan in the 77th minute to put the Blaugrana ahead in the tie. Xavi’s side saw off the remainder of the match and now take a big advantage heading into the second leg at home.

Barcelona host PSG in the deciding leg next Tuesday.

Also Read: A new superstar is born as Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi breaks record in Paris