Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding performance to defeat Barcelona in a six-goal Champions League encounter at the Parc des Princes, ending the Spanish side’s unbeaten start to the season after a thrilling exchange of goals.
Desire Doue, Lamine Yamal and Vitinha were among the standout performers, producing moments of individual brilliance in a contest that saw both teams threaten relentlessly before the reigning European champions pulled away.
PSG took the lead in the 38th minute through Doue, who continued his impressive form following his influential display against Manchester City the previous week.
The French champions had started aggressively, using an intense pressing game to disrupt Barcelona’s attempts to build from the back. Their approach nearly paid off inside the opening two minutes when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck the post after Pedri lost possession.
Doue and Ousmane Dembele also tested Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia after PSG capitalised on defensive errors, while Barcelona responded with dangerous counterattacks of their own.
Raphinha missed an opportunity to put the visitors ahead, shooting directly at PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov after being set up by Anthony Gordon.
Garcia subsequently denied Ferran Torres twice as Barcelona struggled to contain the hosts. However, the goalkeeper was powerless when PSG intercepted another attempted build-up from the back, allowing Doue to drive towards the penalty area and fire a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
Barcelona restored parity 10 minutes into the second half through 19-year-old full-back Xavi Espart, whose powerful effort beat Safonov at his near post after a surging run into the box.
PSG responded with renewed intensity, and Lucas Hernandez restored their advantage with a towering header, underlining the hosts’ threat from set-piece situations.
Barcelona refused to surrender, with Yamal producing a superb near-post finish to make it 2-2 and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
Those celebrations were short-lived, however, as Vitinha struck less than two minutes later, sending a volley into the bottom corner to put PSG back in front.
The hosts then capitalised on Barcelona’s defensive vulnerability to extend their lead. Fabian Ruiz finished off Achraf Hakimi’s low cross at the far post five minutes later, giving PSG a decisive advantage in an increasingly frantic encounter.
The victory brought Barcelona’s 11-match unbeaten run at the start of the season to an end and reinforced PSG’s credentials as serious contenders to retain their European crown.
