The 4-2 scoreline would suggest complete dominance by PSG, but there was more to it. Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona delivered a Champions League classic worthy of a final on Wednesday (IST).
The game got off to a flying start with PSG pressing Barcelona aggressively from the start and playing at a very high tempo throughout, a characteristic of their style of play as evidenced by their performance against Manchester City, where they scored two in the first 16 minutes and were 3-0 at the break. Barcelona were well prepared for this; however, with Flick fielding 19-year-old Xavi Espart at right back, as Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia were both injured. Barcelona are finally beginning to rediscover themselves in Europe after the Messi era, but injuries and forced changes exposed their shortcomings in Paris. The fight was there, but PSG’s depth and cohesion, attributes that have underpinned their recent Champions League triumphs, proved decisive. The French side’s ambition for a third straight title now looks more credible than ever. Joao Cancelo stayed on the left with Pau Cubarsi and Martin in the middle. Vitinha anchored the midfield, dictating the rhythm, while Ruiz and Neves pressed relentlessly, unsettling Barcelona’s composure. The absence of Rodri, left out as Flick managed his squad ahead of El Clasico, was felt at these moments; Barcelona lacked the assurance he brings in possession in the first half, while he entered the pitch in the later stage of the second half. PSG were clearly in the hunt for goals, but Garcia was the man to save them with a very impressive display of his own, with some absolutely ridiculous saves to keep the hosts at bay. It didn’t last long, though. Lamine Yamal had been fairly quiet up until that point, and his error was picked off by Neves, who then passed it to Desire Doue. The young Frenchman showed his quality with a wonderful finish from outside the box, finding space between the two defenders to slot the first goal past Garcia in the 38th minute.
There were 10 shots on target from PSG in the first half alone – the highest number of first-half shots on target conceded by Barca in a Champions League match since at least the 2003/04 season, according to Opta Analyst. The French forward had 53 touches, took four shots (two on target), 0.24 xG and 0.22 xGOT. He also created 0.36 xA in the process, which again is a massive contribution to the attack in terms of the number of chances he created.
PSG have found a new talisman this season in Doue, who was very much the young sensation over the last two seasons. That performance against Barcelona took it to a whole new level. The Frenchman also scored the opening goal in the City clash at Etihad.
He was absolutely decisive on Wednesday with a goal and an assist.
