Raphinha brace inspires Barca comeback win at PSG
Barcelona's manager, Xavi Hernandez, showcased his tactical genius by making two substitutions that led directly to goals, propelling his team to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona competes during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona in Paris, France, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
The game was an emotional rollercoaster, with Barcelona initially taking the lead, only to fall behind, and then executing a stunning comeback.
Brazilian forward Raphinha scored twice, including the opener in the first half, taking advantage of a mistake by PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to net his first Champions League goal at the 37-minute mark.
PSG quickly turned the tables after halftime, with Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha scoring to give the Parisians a 2-1 advantage.
It was at this juncture that Xavi made a tactical masterstroke. In the 61st minute, he brought on Rodri and Joao Felix for Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto, a change that quickly paid off.
Pedri, just two minutes after coming on, lofted a perfect pass to Raphinha, who calmly finished past Donnarumma, drawing the teams level.
In the 76th minute, Xavi's strategic acumen was on display again when he substituted Andreas Christensen and Ferran Torres for Frenkie de Jong and the key player Raphinha. Christensen scored with a header from a corner just a minute later, sealing a dramatic comeback for Barcelona.
"Pedri came on and helped us a lot. I'm very proud of the team. Christensen also came on and helped," Xavi said. "Tactically we did really well."
Since Xavi announced his departure from the team at the end of the season following a January defeat to Villarreal, Barcelona has been unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, a stark contrast to PSG's previous unbeaten streak of 27 matches, which ended with this loss.
"We made things a bit difficult for ourselves. We managed to turn things around in the second half and could have had a third (goal)," PSG coach Luis Enrique said. "Everything's still open for us and we will go there with ambition."
The return leg is set for April 16th at Barcelona's home ground.
Related articles
Xi Focus: Xi Stresses Enhancing Guarantee Ability of Land Element for High
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom2024-04-30Woman spends 5 years making clothes for children in need
Chen Diefei knits a sweater. [Photo/cnr.cn]Chen Diefei, a 69-year-old woman, has spent the past five2024-04-30Foreign Minister Wang Yi briefs the media: Highlights
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Ch2024-04-30The only land port between China and Pakistan welcomed its first customs clearance of 2024
Beijing, January4 (Youth.cn) -On January 2nd, 2024, in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kh2024-04-30Softer economic data call for quick, decisive action
CAI MENG/CHINA DAILYMay data show the Chinese economy is softening year-on-year, from industrial out2024-04-30France guarantees right of abortion
France made history on Monday by becoming the first country in the world to enshrine abortion rights2024-04-30
atest comment