Barcelona’s Champions League campaign ended at the quarter-final stage with a disappointing 4-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium. Despite starting strongly and taking an early lead, Barcelona’s momentum was shattered by a controversial red card, leaving them with 10 men. PSG capitalized on the advantage, securing the goals needed to complete the comeback and progress to the semi-finals.
Kylian Mbappe played a pivotal role, scoring twice as Paris Saint-Germain overcame a 3-2 deficit from the first leg to win 4-1 in the return fixture.
Barcelona made a promising start with Raphinha’s early goal, but their fortunes changed when Ronald Araujo was sent off after 30 minutes. PSG seized the opportunity, with Ousmane Dembele equalizing before halftime. In the second half, PSG took control, with Vitinha’s strike and Mbappe’s penalty putting them ahead. Mbappe sealed the victory with a late goal, setting up a semi-final clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona will regret Araujo’s sending off, which shifted the momentum in PSG’s favor. Despite keeping Mbappe quiet for much of the tie, his late heroics secured PSG’s victory and kept their Champions League hopes alive.
Player of the Match: Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain). Dembele’s impact was crucial, scoring the opener and winning the penalty that tilted the tie in PSG’s favor.