PARIS — Brazil forward Raphinha scored twice to help Barcelona secure a 3-2 win at Paris Saint Germain in a lively Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, earning the Spanish side their first win in the knockout stage in four years.
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe was nowhere to be found in Parc des Princes as five-times European champions Barca managed to neutralize France's captain, who was often frustrated in his attempts up front.
Raphinha's deft volley in the 62nd minute from a brilliant long pass by substitute Pedri brought the match level at 2-2, silencing the home crowd.
Pedri assist vs PSG
PICTURE-PERFECT PEDRI PASS!
Raphinha bags his brace in fine fashion! pic.twitter.com/nEQ36hDe0K— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 10, 2024
Pedri returns from injury after 38 days and delivers magic assist after just one minute. pic.twitter.com/GgXE8Fv8Be
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 10, 2024
PSG came into the match unbeaten in their last 27 games in all competitions but were undone by a fired-up Barcelona side looking to return the club to the summit of European football.
After a glorious run from 2005-15, winning four Champions League titles, Barca failed to get past the last 16 in Europe's elite competition in three consecutive seasons after being humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 quarter-finals.
"We should be proud to say that Barca is alive," manager Xavi Hernandez told reporters.
"We understood how we had to work against one of the best teams in the world. It's a small advantage but a victory that generates even more excitement in our city and within our fans."
Xavi's side dominated proceedings early on against the French side still looking for a first Champions League crown. Raphinha gave the visitors the lead with a rebound strike in the 37th minute after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to clear a cross from his box.
"Smooth as a back of a spoon with the finish!"
Raphinha finishes off a brilliant Barcelona team move pic.twitter.com/LUjCyOzb4u— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 10, 2024
Donnarumma looked nervous throughout the match, showing bad timing and making errors that almost led to Barcelona scoring the opener earlier in the first half.
However, PSG looked transformed after the break with manager Luis Enrique, a former Barca player and coach, switching things up and bringing on forward Bradley Barcola for Marco Asensio.
The attacking change resulted in the equalizer in the 48th minute when former Barca winder Ousmane Dembele smashed the ball into the top corner after scooping a rebound inside the box and making a quick cut to his left, before unleashing a unstoppable shot between three defenders.
OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ PUNISHES HIS FORMER CLUB pic.twitter.com/3WPeLjwIhA
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 10, 2024
Barca were still reeling when the hosts took the lead through Vitinha who stroked the ball in two minutes later from a quick counter attack and substitute Bradley Barcola almost scored the third minutes later when his close-range strike hit the cross bar.
TWO GOALS IN TWO MINUTES!
Vitinha has the Parc des Princes rocking! pic.twitter.com/3P4mf0KXhw— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 10, 2024
Andreas Christensen came off the bench to take advantage of a static Donnarumma to jump unchallenged in the six-yard-box and head in from a corner 13 minutes from time to give the Spanish side a narrow advantage going into next week's second leg.
SUPER SUB ON THE SET PIECE!
Andreas Christensen scores with his FIRST TOUCH of the match ☝️ pic.twitter.com/ANVnleJ0K3— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 10, 2024
"It was a spectacular night, not only for me, but for the team as well," Raphinha told reporters.
"We have been working very hard to come out and play like we did, showing our grit with such a good atmosphere is a very positive sign moving forward."
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas Editing by Christian Radnedge)