Paris Has Several PSG Masses Against Barcelona

The 4-2 score at the Parc des Princes in the City of Light may not accurately reflect the development of the match. Although Barça stood up and could even have balanced the action, PSG's train of physical play was predominant.

The significant loss of Ousmane Dembélé at the 19th minute due to injury did not diminish the intensity of the team coached by Luis Enrique Martínez. Although there was alternation in the attacks, in the end Désiré Doué tipped the balance toward the current Champions League champions with a great goal from outside the area at the 38th minute.

But 1-0 was not enough, and academy player Xavi Espart brought the equalizer at the 55th minute, an illusion that lasted until minute 71 when Lucas Hernández headed in to make it 2-1. The Catalans reacted, and Lamine Yamal restored the 2-2 tie thanks to an error by midfielder Zaïre-Emery at the 79th minute.

There was little patience from Hansi Flick's azulgranas, and barely two minutes later the 3-2 from Vitinha and the 4-2 from Fabián Ruiz at the 86th minute followed in succession. Game over.

It is Barça's first stumble of the season, and although it was not a disaster either, PSG sent them a very serious wake-up call, especially considering that in addition to Dembélé's injury, left-back Nuno Mendes, a specialist in marking Yamal, was also absent.

The day also ended with a bitter 1-1 draw for Atlético de Madrid, a heavy favorite, against Stuttgart, and a 4-3 defeat for Villarreal against Liverpool.

In any case, Atleti had good news: the equalizing goal scored by Argentine Julián Álvarez, his first in the competition after an extended psychodrama over his inability to leave for Barcelona as he wanted.

The Yellow Submarine fought until the last instant, but the advantage grew with Florian Wirtz's goal at the 68th minute, so Oluwasey's goal at the 87th minute was of little use.

For this Wednesday, the other two matches for the Spanish sides in Europe's top club competition are reserved. Real Madrid hosts German side Leipzig at the Bernabéu, an opponent that could be demanding for the Merengues.

Meanwhile, Betis will play in Seville against Dutch side Feyenoord.