Marcus Rashford grabbed another assist for Barcelona, but it wasn’t enough as Hansi Flick’s side were outclassed by an understrength Paris Saint-Germain, who stormed back to seal a 2-1 Champions League win at Montjuïc.
Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions took a hit on Tuesday night as Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Montjuïc. Despite Ferran Torres opening the scoring from a Marcus Rashford assist, the Blaugrana were second-best for much of the encounter, with Lamine Yamal frustrated by Nuno Mendes and Hansi Flick unable to find solutions against Luis Enrique’s injury-hit side.
The Catalans made a lively start, driven by Yamal’s dribbling down the right flank, and deservedly took the lead in the 19th minute. Rashford, continuing his fine run of form on loan from Manchester United, slipped in a clever first-time ball for Torres to finish clinically.
However, PSG, missing their entire first-choice attack, grew into the game. Their equaliser came seven minutes before half-time when 19-year-old Senny Mayulu punished some rash defending, slotting home after a dazzling run and cross from Mendes.
The second half belonged to the French champions. Achraf Hakimi repeatedly surged down the right, and in the final minute of normal time, his cut-back found substitute Gonçalo Ramos, who calmly finished to seal all three points for the holders.
Here’s how the Barcelona players rated on a sobering night in Europe:
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Wojciech Szczesny (6/10): Solid replacement for Joan Garcia, made good saves but helpless for both goals.
- Jules Kounde (5/10): Struggled badly against Barcola and went missing when Mendes created the equaliser.
- Eric Garcia (5/10): Justified his selection with a steady display, but couldn’t stop PSG’s momentum.
- Pau Cubarsí (5/10): Composed in possession but rash in his decision-making for PSG’s leveller.
- Gerard Martin (6/10): Battled hard and distributed well, probably Barca’s most reliable defender.
Midfield
- Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Neat, tidy, and made key interceptions, but couldn’t impose himself.
- Pedri (7/10): Barca’s best performer, combative and clever in possession before tiring.
- Dani Olmo (4/10): Anonymous once again, offering little creativity before being subbed off.
Attack
- Lamine Yamal (5/10): Sparkled early but was contained by Mendes; frustrations showed as he appealed in vain for fouls.
- Ferran Torres (6/10): Took his goal well and worked hard, but faded after the break.
- Marcus Rashford (7/10): Another assist and plenty of intent; his confidence continues to grow.
Subs & Manager
- Alejandro Balde (5/10): Couldn’t cope with Hakimi’s runs.
- Marc Casadó (5/10): Brought energy but no control.
- Robert Lewandowski (5/10): Starved of service after coming on.
- Marc Bernal (N/A): Late cameo.
- Hansi Flick (5/10): Got the Torres call right, but had no tactical answers once PSG took charge.
Barcelona’s night ended with boos ringing around Montjuïc — not just at the result, but at the sense that PSG, even without their superstars, were a level above.
