In a stunning display of football prowess, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinched a resounding 4-1 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday, securing a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
The match, filled with gripping moments, saw an early lead by Barcelona courtesy of Raphinha, swiftly countered by PSG after Ronald Araujo’s expulsion in the 29th minute, as reported by AFP.
Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha brought the game to a level playing field, only to have Kylian Mbappe steal the spotlight with a brilliant brace, propelling PSG into the semi-finals for the first time since 2021.
Despite PSG’s hefty investments over the years, capturing the Champions League trophy had remained elusive. However, their formidable attacking lineup showcased their potential to claim the title this season.
Coach Luis Enrique, a former Barcelona legend who led the team to Champions League glory in 2015, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the deficit.
“It looked bad but the team concentrated — whatever happened, we had to beat Barcelona,” said Dembele, amidst heavy criticism from fans of his former club.
For Barcelona, the loss dashed hopes of a semi-final return for the first time since 2019. Araujo’s dismissal compounded their European woes, with their last Champions League triumph dating back to 2015.
“In Europe playing with 10 you know you are going to suffer,” Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong lamented to Movistar. “We tried and we fought to be in the semi-finals, it’s a tough blow because we were convinced we could get through.”
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