PSG beat Barcelona 4-2 in Champions League thriller

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Barcelona 4-2 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, maintaining their perfect start to the competition.

Désiré Doué opened the scoring for the hosts in the 38th minute after capitalizing on a misplaced pass from Lamine Yamal to put PSG ahead before half-time.

Barcelona responded strongly after the break, with Xavi Espart equalizing in the 55th minute. 

The defender finished from close range after Fermín López sent a superb pass, bringing the visitors back into the contest.

PSG regained the lead in the 72nd minute when Lucas Hernández headed home a delivery from Doué. 

However, Barcelona fought back again as Yamal scored in the 79th minute, finishing brilliantly after driving forward from the left flank.

The hosts quickly restored their advantage two minutes later when Vitinha collected a loose ball outside the penalty area and fired a powerful shot past the Barcelona goalkeeper. 

The goal gave PSG renewed momentum as the match entered its closing stages.

Fabián Ruiz sealed the victory in the 86th minute, converting a precise cross from Achraf Hakimi to make it 4-2 and end Barcelona’s hopes of salvaging a result.

The victory takes PSG to nine points from three matches, keeping them at the top of the league-phase standings. 

Barcelona, meanwhile, remain on six points in fifth place after suffering their first European defeat of the season.

The defeat is Barcelona’s first in the UEFA Champions League this season after a 5-1 victory over Dutch side Feyenoord on matchday one and a 4-1 away win in Turkiye against Galatasaray.

It may also come at a bad time, with a crucial La Liga fixture against Real Madrid on Sunday. 

Barcelona will play the first El Clasico of the season at Camp Nou, with only six points separating them from their embattled bitter rivals.