PLAYER RATINGS | PSG 4-2 Barcelona: Back-to-back Champions League winners edge six-goal thriller against La Liga champions

PLAYER RATINGS | PSG 4-2 Barcelona: Back-to-back Champions League winners edge six-goal thriller against La Liga champions UEFA Champions League, Matchday 3, 20/10/26 PSG have relinquished the lead twice against the La Liga champions, but the European champions prevailed with late goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. Les Parisiens have however lost three key players – Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – to injuries. The Match Much of the pre-game attention focused on the identity of the starting PSG left-back in the absence of Nuno Mendes, particularly with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal coming to town. Luis Enrique opted to pick Lucas Hernandez instead of fellow France international teammates the likes of Lucas Digne or Warren Zaïre-Emery. From the get-go, the Spaniard’s blueprint was on display as the hosts hurt the visitors with their trademark full pitch press. PSG’s first chances stemmed from several turnovers in Barcelona’s half. Kvaratskhelia hit the post, and Joan Garcia was alert to deny Dembélé and Désiré Doué. Les Parisiens were in full flow, but their first half was tarnished by Dembélé’s early exit from injury. Barcelona smelt blood, but the La Liga champions did not take their few chances, although their key players found some space. However, PSG defenders put on a clinic in defensive positioning, with Hernandez and Pacho working overtime to nullify Yamal’s influence. The 2026 World Cup winner would make matters worse for his teammates with a complacent chipped pass for Marc Bernal. The relentless João Neves headed it away for Désiré Doué. Like he did last week against Manchester City, the France international winger bid his time before lining up a powerful right-footer to open the scoring. PSG’s lead could have been short-lived if not for some heroic defending from Pacho to deny Fermin Lopez, who replaced the injured Dani Olmo. PSG were deservedly ahead at the break after a near-complete performance from almost every player on the pitch. As for the La Liga champions, their best player was arguably Joan Garcia, who dished out a couple of good saves. Early into the second half, PSG had the chance to double their lead, but Hakimi missed his one-on-one with the excellent Garcia. It could have been the game’s turning point. Xavi Espart restored parity after a sleek team move he himself initiated. It became a game of attrition as both Marquinhos and Kvaratskhelia joined Dembélé on the sidelines. Still, Barcelona did little to hurt Les Parisiens with Flick rotating players with an eye on Sunday’s El Clasico. Seconds after Torres hit the post, Doué’s corner kick found the towering Hernandez, who repaid Luis Enrique’s faith in him. But Barcelona would not give up without a fight. For the first time, Yamal beat his man and struck Safonov’s top corner from a tight angle. But PSG possess that rare never-say-die attitude that separates the good teams from the best ones. Only seconds after Yamal’s stunner, Vitinha restored the hosts’ lead with a stunning half-volley from outside Garcia’s penalty box. Fabian Ruiz double his side’s advantage from close range. After beating 4-2 the unbeaten Manchester City last week, PSG applied the same tariffs to Hansi Flick’s steamroller, proving they are the definitive benchmark in Europe. PSG player ratings Matvey Safonov – 4 Lucas Hernandez – 7 Willian Pacho – 7 Marquinhos – 6 Achraf Hakimi – 6 João Neves – 8 The diminutive midfielder had a low-key start to the season, but he picked the right game to show he’s one the very best midfielders in the world. The Portuguese put in an all-action display, rewarded by an assist for Doué’s opener. He ran himself to the ground and was a nuisance throughout for Barcelona. Vitinha – 7 Fabian Ruiz – 6 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 4 The Georgian has hit a bit of a slump lately with PSG, as shown by his omission from the starting line-up last week against Manchester City. Last season’s best player of the Champions League could have given the lead had his early shot not hit the post, but his influence waned as the game went on. He hobbled off the pitch with what looked like a knee injury. Ousmane Dembélé – N/A He looked to have found his form back after a remarkable game against Manchester City and an eye-catching cameo against Strasbourg last week. Still, his big night against his former side only lasted 20 minutes as his thigh gave up, not for the first time in the Champions League. Replaced by Ferran Torres, who missed several big chances. Désiré Doué – 8 The winger carried on the form he picked up since spending two weeks with Zinédine Zidane’s French national team. He played with a swagger and supreme confidence in his abilities. He scored the opener and assisted Lucas Hernandez, because he also knows how to take corner kicks. Special, and a deserved Man of the Match trophy. Barcelona player ratings Joan Garcia – 6 Raphinha – 3 Lamine Yamal – 4 All eyes were on the sensational Spaniard for tonight’s clash of titans, but he chose the wrong place at the wrong time to have an off game. He lost a whopping 14 balls in the first half alone, and one of those unforced errors led to Doué’s opener. Although it was brilliant, he only made the difference once. GFFN | Bastien Cheval