PSG beat Barcelona 4-2 in Champions League thriller to underline European title credentials

PSG beat Barcelona 4-2 in Champions League thriller to underline European title credentials Paris Saint-Germain strengthened their position as Champions League favourites with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Barcelona at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening. The reigning European champions extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 13 matches, ending Barcelona’s perfect start to the 2026-27 season. Goals from Desire Doue, Lucas Hernandez, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz secured another statement victory for Luis Enrique’s side, who maintained their position at the top of the league-phase standings. PSG began aggressively, pressing Barcelona into mistakes and creating several opportunities inside the opening five minutes. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck the post after Pedri surrendered possession, while Doue and Ousmane Dembele forced saves from Joan Garcia. Barcelona gradually recovered, with Raphinha testing Matvey Safonov following a promising attacking move. PSG suffered a setback when Dembele sustained an apparent hamstring injury and was replaced by Ferran Torres before half-time. However, the hosts continued creating opportunities, with Garcia producing several impressive saves to keep Barcelona level. Their resistance finally ended in the 38th minute when Doue capitalised on another turnover and drove a powerful low shot into the bottom corner. Fermin Lopez squandered an opportunity to equalise shortly afterwards, allowing PSG to preserve their advantage at the interval. Barcelona responded strongly after the restart and levelled through 19-year-old Xavi Espart, who marked his Champions League debut with an excellent near-post finish. Hansi Flick’s side subsequently gained control and threatened to complete the turnaround. Torres struck the woodwork from close range, but PSG immediately punished the visitors emphatically when Hernandez headed home from the resulting corner. Barcelona refused to surrender, with Lamine Yamal producing a brilliant individual effort to restore parity in the 78th minute. The teenager escaped Warren Zaire-Emery before squeezing his finish past Safonov from a difficult angle. However, PSG responded almost immediately through Vitinha, whose superb volley from outside the penalty area restored their lead. Ruiz then completed the scoring, converting Achraf Hakimi’s low delivery to secure an emphatic victory. The result leaves PSG with nine points from their opening three Champions League fixtures, while Barcelona remain on six. Luis Enrique’s team have now beaten Manchester City and Barcelona in successive European matches, reinforcing their credentials as serious contenders to retain the trophy. Barcelona, meanwhile, have conceded in 18 consecutive Champions League games, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that continue to undermine their attacking quality. PSG will visit Villarreal on November 3, while Barcelona host Aston Villa as they attempt to recover from their first defeat of the campaign.