Paris Saint-Germain came from behind twice to defeat Barcelona 4–2 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter, with late goals from Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz sealing an impressive victory for the French champions.
PSG produced a strong second-half performance to overcome the Spanish giants after the sides went into the break level at 1–1, with Désiré Doué and João Neves among the key contributors to the hosts’ comeback.
Barcelona made a bright start and took the lead through João Cancelo in the 17th minute, putting PSG under early pressure in a contest between two of Europe’s leading clubs.
The hosts responded in the 38th minute when Doué found the net to restore parity, ensuring the sides went into half-time level after an entertaining opening period.
Barcelona regained the advantage in the 55th minute through Fermín López, who set up Xavi Espart to put the visitors 2–1 ahead.
PSG refused to surrender, however, and Lucas Hernández levelled the score at 2–2 in the 72nd minute after being set up by Doué.
The French side then took control of the contest, with Vitinha scoring in the 81st minute to put PSG ahead for the first time in the match.
Barcelona struggled to respond as PSG pressed for a decisive fourth goal, which arrived in the 86th minute when Ruiz finished off an assist from Achraf Hakimi.
The late strikes secured a 4–2 victory for PSG, handing the hosts an important result in the Champions League league phase and leaving Barcelona to reflect on a defensive performance that unravelled in the closing stages.
The encounter highlighted PSG’s attacking depth and resilience, while Barcelona’s inability to protect their advantage proved costly against a side that capitalised on its opportunities when the match was at its most decisive.
