Desire Doue scored the opening goal and delivered a standout performance as Paris St-Germain edged Barcelona 5-3 in a Champions League clash at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old winger, who impressed in PSG's win over Manchester City last week, broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. After several missed chances from both sides in a tense first half, Doue intercepted a pass from Barcelona’s defense, drove forward, and rifled a low shot into the bottom left corner beyond goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The match exploded in the second half. Barcelona’s teenage full-back Xavi Espart equalised just 10 minutes after the break with a powerful near-post strike. PSG responded quickly when defender Lucas Hernandez rose above the defence to score a towering header from a corner.
Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal, who scored a "genius" finish at the near post, restored parity at 2-2. But the lead barely lasted two minutes before Vitinha volleyed a clearance into the bottom corner, reclaiming the advantage for the French champions.
Fabian Ruiz sealed the result five minutes later, converting a low cross from Achraf Hakimi at the back post. The victory ended Barcelona’s 11-match unbeaten run at the start of their season.
PSG set the tone early with a high-pressing strategy that forced Barcelona into errors. The game was just 79 seconds old when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s shot hit the post after Pedri lost possession. Both Doue and Ousmane Dembele were denied by Garcia following quick turnovers.
Barcelona threatened in response, but Raphinha fired straight at PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov after a neat pass from Anthony Gordon. Garcia kept Barcelona in the game with two saves from Ferran Torres, who came on to replace the injured Dembele.
Doüe’s opener came after PSG intercepted a pass from the Barca defense. He took a decisive shot from the edge of the penalty area that Garcia could not reach.
Shortly before half-time, Fermin Lopez failed to convert a one-on-one chance against Safonov.
The second half saw Barcelona grow into the match, with Espart’s goal putting them back on level terms. Moments later, Torres hit the post on a counterattack, but Hernandez’s header restored PSG’s lead.
Yamal’s skillful run and finish brought the score back to 3-3, but Vitinha quickly responded with a volley that put PSG ahead. Ruiz’s finish five minutes from time confirmed the 5-3 scoreline.
PSG now have nine points and will travel to Villarreal on Tuesday, 3 November, for their next Champions League fixture at 20:00 GMT.
Barcelona remain on six points and will host Aston Villa at Camp Nou at the same time.
The match was a vivid display of attacking football, with both sides trading moments of brilliance and defensive lapses. PSG’s ability to respond quickly after losing the lead proved decisive in the end.
According to Joy Online.
