This was the perfect audition for Barcelona’s young side to stake their claim for UEFA Champions League glory by overcoming the reigning holders, Paris Saint-Germain. But they fell short, and will now hope that this defeat does not derail their push for automatic qualification inside the top eight of the league phase. I know, too premature to speak about qualifying chances.
The Montjuic was beautifully charged with anticipation and excitement, and Barcelona’s opening 30 minutes proved to be their best spell of the match. They carved out chances from the wide areas, exploiting the advanced full-backs and the spaces they left behind, and could easily have added two more goals before PSG scored the equaliser.
The holders then began to take control, repeatedly exploiting Barcelona’s high line with their pace and running power, while denying Pedri and Frenkie de Jong the chance to dictate the midfield.
It was a golden opportunity for Barça, with PSG missing key stars such as Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, João Neves, and Marquinhos, forcing them to rely on their youngsters. Barcelona may one day look back on this defeat as a source of inspiration.
Wojciech Szczesny - 7.0
He produced some good saves and was not at fault for either goal. However, his distribution could have been sharper, as it often prevented Barcelona from escaping PSG’s second-half press.
Jules Kounde - 6.5
He looked fluid going forward when given the chance, but was shaky defensively and often left isolated against Nuno Mendes and the winger, usually Ibrahim Mbaye, who caused him problems.
Eric Garcia - 6.5
Drawn out of position for the first goal but was the best centre-back on the night dealing with PSG attacking fluidity. Came off late before the PSG winner.
Pau Cubarsi - 5.5
It was a poor performance at centre-back, with him at fault for both goals conceded. For the first, he dived in too early and missed the ball, allowing Senny Mayulu an easy finish. For the second, he pressed too high up the pitch, forcing Alejandro Balde to cover inside and leaving Achraf Hakimi free to set up Gonçalo Ramos for the winner.
Gerard Martin - 7.0
He handled Bradley Barcola well throughout his time on the pitch and never looked like the weak link. While he offered little attacking intent, that was likely a tactical decision to prevent Hakimi and the winger from gaining too much influence.
Frenkie de Jong - 7.0
He showed class in bypassing PSG’s press during the first half, though fatigue and a yellow card likely affected his performance as PSG grew into the game.
Pedri - 7.0
Relentless, classy, and a complete footballer—he is a joy to watch. His influence in the second half waned as Luis Enrique assigned a man to specifically mark the playmaker, limiting his impact.
Lamine Yamal - 7.5
He showcased his skill and flair from the very first minute, setting up a chance for Ferran Torres in a Lionel Messi-esque moment that certainly had me out of my seat. When given the opportunity, he ran at Nuno Mendes, forcing the left-back into a yellow card, and possibly a second, had the referee had the balls to give it.
Dani Olmo - 6.0
Crowded out of the game, he has struggled to perform in what has been a disappointing season so far. His only notable contribution was a deflected effort, which still amounted to very little.
Marcus Rashford - 8.0
He was a bright spark in attack, causing Ilya Zabarnyi serious problems with his directness and dribbling. His first-time assist to set up Ferran Torres’s goal was the highlight of the evening, leaving the Spanish forward no choice but to finish first time.
Ferran Torres - 7.5
The goalscorer could have completed a hat-trick, with one shot cleared off the line by Zabarnyi and another blocked. He took his goal well. When moved to the wing, he tracked back diligently but failed to cause the same problems that Rashford did.
Substitutes
Robert Lewandowski - 5.5
Cannot remember much of his contribution throughout his 25/30 minutes on the pitch.
Alejandro Balde -6.0
Welcomed back with a big round of applause on his return but failed to control Hakimi as he surged forward. Would blame Cubarsi more for the second goal than Balde.
Marc Casado - 6.0
Given a poor yellow card from the referee. Failed to have any impact within the game.
Marc Bernal - N/A
Andreas Christensen -N/A
Not enough time or influence on the game to warrant a rating. Luckily as his marking could be better for the Ramos winner.