Barcelona 1-2 PSG: Ramos Strikes Late as Luis Enrique Haunts Former Club in Champions League

Barcelona’s unbeaten domestic form counted for little in Europe as Paris Saint-Germain snatched a late 2-1 win in Catalonia, maintaining their perfect start to the Champions League phase and leaving Barcelona further adrift in the standings. Luis Enrique, the last coach to guide Barça to continental glory a decade ago, returned to haunt his old club with a result that keeps PSG among the early frontrunners.

The night had begun positively for the hosts. Marcus Rashford, operating from the left, found space behind PSG’s defensive line and slid a pinpoint ball across the area for Ferran Torres, who guided his shot into the bottom corner. It was Torres’ second chance of the half, having already been denied by a desperate block from Zabarnyi. For a brief spell, Barcelona looked in control.

After half-time, PSG carried the greater threat. Bradley Barcola forced Wojciech Szczęsny into a save, and Nuno Mendes continued to trouble the defence, lucky to avoid a second yellow when he fouled Lamine Yamal outside the box. The free-kick that followed was wasted, Yamal blasting the ball over the crossbar. Barcelona looked short of rhythm in possession, and their high line left them repeatedly exposed.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute. Hakimi burst down the right-hand side, pulling Barcelona apart, and squared for Gonçalo Ramos. The striker met it cleanly and side-footed beyond Szczęsny to complete the turnaround.

For Barcelona, unbeaten at home in La Liga and a point clear at the top of the table, this was a reminder of their defensive vulnerability under pressure. They reached the semi-finals last season and still have the quality to compete, but mistakes at the back cost them here.

For PSG, this was their third straight win in Catalonia and another sign of progress under Enrique. With six points from six in the league phase, even without Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who is out with a thigh injury, as well as other key attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, they still look well set to push on and are rightfully top contenders to win the Champions League.