Barcelona secure big win over PSG in UCL quarter-final first leg; Raphinha scores brace

Xavi’s men won 3-2 away from home

Barcelona won the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2023-24 quarter-final tie 3-2 against PSG.

The away team took the lead in the first half. Both teams scored two goals each in the second half and showed their attacking side of football.

Luis Enrique named a strong side with Kylian Mbappe leading the line. Former Barcelona player Ousmane Dembele and former Real Madrid player Marco Asensio assisted him. Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha and Lee Kang-in were played in the midfield three. Donnarumma started in goal and was guarded by Lucas Hernandez, Marquinhos, Beraldo and Nuno Mendes.

Robert Lewandowski led Barcelona along with Raphinha and rising star Lamine Yamal. Ilkay Gundogan, De Jong and captain Sergi Roberto added experience to the middle. Joao Cancelo, Cubarsi, Araujo and Kounde played guarded Ter Stegen’s goal.

It was an even first half with both sides creating enough chances to score a goal. The away side became the first team to score in this quarter-final tie. Raphinha scored the opener in the 37th minute after Lamine Yamal’s half-cleared cross landed on his right foot. The Brazilian was calm and composed to score his first-ever Champions League goal with his weaker foot.

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PSG came all guns blazing and scored the equaliser in the 48th minute. Ousmane Dembele scored against his former club. Just after two minutes, Vitinha scored the second goal to give his side the lead. The French champions were all over the Spanish champions.

Raphinha then scored his & Barcelona’s second in the 62nd minute. Pedri came on the pitch and created the goal with a delightful pass over the top of the defence. Xavi’s side was back in business. Birthday boy Andreas Christensen came off the bench in the 76th minute and gave his side their second lead in the next minute. Barca were 3-2 up after a goal from a corner. The away team held on to their lead and won the match. Raphinha won the Man of the Match award.

The second leg will be played on 16th April 2024 at Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys. Barcelona will have the home advantage against a dangerous opponent.

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