Barcelona faced Paris Saint-Germain again on Wednesday after a 4-0 defeat in their last match-up. With one leg completed, Barca needed at least four goals to force extra time and that they did. Few pundits did believe they could comeback but no one was certain. The players of Barcelona exuded confidence in the presser before the second leg and it showed on the pitch. Without a doubt, we have witnessed one of the greatest game in UEFA Champions League history.
First Half Recap
The game began intense and you could see the energy from the Camp Nou flowing through the players. And within three minutes Luis Suarez headed home a sweet goal. PSG battled back and for 37 minutes the game was mostly quiet on scoring chances. But in the 40 minute, Layvin Kurzawa mistimed a clearance and mistakenly netted an own goal. By the half, Barcelona were up 2-0. The shock began to creep through the stands and the doubt was growing on the faces on PSG.
Second Half Recap
In what was a highly anxious first half for PSG, the second half started just as tense. Neymar was awarded a penalty as Thomas Meunier clips him in the box. Leo Messi then stepped up to the spot and slotted home the penalty to the bottom left corner. With Barcelona up 3-0, PSG unleashed a counter-attack and Edinson Cavani finished a beautiful volley from a Kurzawa assist. That away goal means Barca will need three crucial goals to win. Two minutes passed and Cavani was again shooting for goal but Marc-Andre ter Stegen came up with a brilliant save.
By the 88th minute, Barca were still up 3-1 but trailing 5-3 on aggregate. Sergio Busquets was awarded a free kick just outside the box and Neymar showed his skill. He curled a sparkling free kick to score and PSG keeper Kevin Trapp could only watch. After just two minutes passed and extra time hit with five extra minutes given by the head ref. This is where Luis Suarez looked to dive for a penalty but it was given. Neymar stepped up and drilled it home which bring the score to 5-1 (5-5 on aggregate). Camp Nou was roaring after the goal and the pressure was on. Neymar again showed his class by chipping a beautiful lob over the top allowing Sergi Roberto to get a touch to win the game!!
Final Outlook: How did Barcelona do it?
Coming into this match, there was true uncertainty if Luis Enrique’s Barcelona tenure would end with an embarrassing Champions League loss. But instead, the complete opposite occurred. Enrique and his club completed the greatest comeback in soccer history by scoring six goals. PSG manager Unai Emery will be under a lot of scrutiny for pretty much packing it in the entire first half. Instead of just sitting back, PSG should’ve tried to use the counter attack to their advantage on the high-pressing Barcelona. Even still, the players should be disappointed for allowing six goals even after getting the crucial away goal. Yes, this was the greatest comeback ever and just shows why Barcelona are one of, if not, the best soccer club in its history.Â
