PSG Stun Barcelona Despite Major Injury Woes
Paris Saint-Germain proved once again that they’re a force to be reckoned with in this season’s UEFA Champions League, handing Barcelona their first defeat of the campaign — and doing it on Catalan soil.
Both sides entered this highly anticipated clash far from full strength. Barça were missing Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia, though Wojciech Szczęsny filled the gap between the posts. But finding a replacement for one of the year's top five players? Much tougher.
As for PSG, their situation was arguably worse. No Ousmane Dembélé, no Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, no Désiré Doué, and no captain Marquinhos. A depleted squad — but not a defeated one.
The match started in classic Barcelona style — wide, rhythmic, and aesthetically precise. Lamine Yamal, returning to the right flank, had a personal score to settle with the Parisians. Yet, PSG's backline stood firm. Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and standout Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi were immense. Zabarnyi, in particular, denied a sure goal on 15 minutes, blocking Ferran Torres' shot on an open net.
But just four minutes later, Barça broke through. A midfield turnover left PSG stretched, and they paid the price. Yamal played in Marcus Rashford, who squared for Torres to tap in: 1–0.
The goal sparked PSG into life. Despite missing key forwards, they began to push higher. Their fullbacks continued to support attacks, with Hakimi and Rúben Neves leading the charge. On 38 minutes, Neves cut through the midfield and slipped in Mayulu for a cool finish: 1–1.
The second half was all about PSG’s growing dominance. Jules Koundé struggled badly against Hakimi’s pace and directness, while Neves effectively marked out Yamal, who still looks short of full fitness after injury. Even with a thin bench, Luis Enrique's substitutions brought energy — and nearly a goal. In the 83rd minute, Lee Kang-in weaved through six defenders before hitting the post with a curling effort.
But in stoppage time, the visitors finally struck gold. Hakimi again burst down the right and picked out Gonçalo Ramos, who finished first-time into the net: 2–1.
Barcelona had no response. The Parisians calmly kept possession until the final whistle, securing a massive away win and joining a select group of teams — including Qarabag — with two wins from two in the Champions League group stage.
2025-26 UEFA Champions League
Barcelona - PSG 1:2 (1:1)
Goals: Torres F., 19 (1:0); Mayulu, 38 (1:1); Ramos G., 90 (1:2)
Barcelona: Szczesny; Cubarsí; Martín G. (Balde Al., 72); Kounde; Garcia E. (Christensen A., 86); de Jong F.; Olmo (Casado M., 72); Yamal; Rashford (Lewandowski, 72); Torres F.; Pedri (Bernal, 79)
Substitution: Balde Al. (from 72); Casado M. (from 72); Lewandowski (from 72); Bernal (from 79); Christensen A. (from 86)
Bench: Kochen; Jofre; Araujo R.; Fernández Dro; Bardagji; Fernández T.
Yellow Cards: de Jong F. 32; Olmo 57; Casado M. 78; Yamal 92
PSG: Chevalier L.; Hakimi; Mendes N.; Zabarnyi; Vitinha F.; Fabian Ruiz (Ramos G., 72); Mayulu (Lee Kang-in, 80); Pacho; Neves J. P.; Mbaye (Lucas Hernandez, 65); Barcola B. (Ndjantou, 80)
Substitution: Lucas Hernandez (from 65); Ramos G. (from 72); Lee Kang-in (from 80); Ndjantou (from 80)
Bench: Safonov M.; Marin R.; Beraldo L.; Zaire-Emery
Yellow Cards: Mendes N. 44; Hakimi 87
