By James Bake

Comeback and humiliation of FC Barcelona at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium 4-1 against PSG. With a double from Kylian Mbappé, a goal from Dembelé and Vetinha, PSG goes straight to the semi-final for the first time since 2020. Comeback against Paris with Barça and comeback with Paris against Barça: definitely Luis Enrique is the comeback specialist.

In a spectacular turnaround, Paris Saint-Germain inflicted a crushing defeat on FC Barcelona, ​​eliminating the Catalans from the Champions League. After a tense first leg at the Parc des Princes where Barça secured a 3-2 victory, all eyes were on the second leg at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Blaugrana, the evening quickly turned into a nightmare. From the start, Xavi’s team appeared to be nervous, and that tension was exacerbated when Ronald Araujo was sent off in the first half, leaving Barca outnumbered. Despite the goal scored by Raphinia in the 12th minute. Xavi failed to effectively adjust his tactical system to counter PSG’s attacking trio, Barcola, Mbappé and Dembélé.

Dembélé equalized the Parisians in the 40th minute of play, 5 minutes before the break. Vithinia also contributed to the score with an impressive goal in the 54th minute of play, giving the Rouge et Bleu hope. Kylian Mbappé proved to be the Catalans’ tormentor, scoring two of the four Parisian goals despite an average performance at his level.

This match highlighted the challenges facing Xavi as a young manager. His lack of maturity in the management of big matches and strong moments was highlighted, leaving Barcelona fans frustrated and disappointed with this elimination in the quarter-finals of the biggest European competition.

This meeting will remain engraved in the memory of football fans as an evening where PSG shone and where FC Barcelona was cruelly ousted. It may all come down to the small details, highlighting the tactical and emotional challenges facing Xavi’s side in their quest to return to the pinnacle of European football.