Barcelona take positives from 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain
Raphinha and Hansi Flick said Barcelona showed signs of progress despite a third successive defeat to PSG in the Champions League.
Barcelona lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in Paris on 20 October, but captain Raphinha and coach Hansi Flick said the Champions League performance gave them reasons for encouragement, according to Reuters. UEFA recorded the result as PSG's third win in three league-phase matches.
The defeat was Barcelona's third in succession against Luis Enrique's PSG, Reuters reported. Midfielder Pedri had said before the match that it would show where Barcelona stood in Europe. Barcelona arrived with a perfect record across all competitions this season, making the meeting a test of their form against the European champions.
How the match turned in Paris
Désiré Doué put PSG ahead in the 38th minute. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia made eight saves in the first half as PSG handled the pace of the match more comfortably, Reuters reported. Barcelona then gained control for a spell after the break, with 19-year-old Xavi Espart equalising on his first Champions League start.
Lamine Yamal became a stronger influence on Barcelona's attack in the second half, but Lucas Hernández scored from a set piece in the 72nd minute. PSG eventually pulled clear to win 4-2. Reuters noted that Barcelona were missing defenders Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde through injury, while Marc Bernal was a surprise starter in midfield.
What Raphinha and Flick said after the defeat
Raphinha told Movistar+, according to Reuters, that Barcelona had competed well. ‘It was a good test and shows that we can compete,’ the captain said. His assessment followed a match in which Barcelona had recovered from falling behind before PSG regained the lead.
Flick said he had seen ‘some very good things and things that we should build upon’ and that he felt positive, Reuters reported. He also acknowledged that PSG were the better side. Barcelona leave Paris without points from the match, but their coach's assessment focused on the passages of play in which his team challenged PSG.
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Sources and context
- Barcelona take heart despite third straight defeat to PSGChannel NewsAsia / Reuters
- Champions League round-up: Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona as Liverpool stay perfectUEFA
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