FC Barcelona achieved an ideal starting position for a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League in an offensive spectacle against Paris Saint-Germain. The Catalans won the quarter-final first leg 3-2 (1-0) in Prinzenpark.
Raphinha (37th minute/62nd) with a brace and Andreas Christensen (77th) scored for coach Xavi Hernandez’s team. Ousmane Dembélé (48th) and Vitinha (51st) scored the goals for the hosts. Before the second leg next Tuesday, Barça now has the best chance of reaching the semi-finals.
A game quickly developed in the Prinzenpark that left little time to breathe. PSG pressed high and put the guests under pressure early on, but the French initially couldn’t get any clear shots. But Barça. After a strong counterattack, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was somewhat unfortunate in defending the ball at Raphinha’s feet – the Brazilian then flicked it into the goal.
The game didn’t really pick up until after halftime. First, Paris turned the result around within three minutes through Dembélé and Vitinha, but then Raphinha equalized after outstanding preparatory work from Pedri, who had just been substituted. A little later, Christensen, who was also a substitute, even scored the winning goal for the Catalans after a corner from German international Ilkay Gündogan.
