Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain overturn a deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Barcelona in the Champions League group stage.
In a thrilling Champions League clash, Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated resilience by rallying from behind to defeat Barcelona 2-1, despite grappling with numerous injury setbacks. The reigning champions showcased their depth and determination to claim an important away triumph.
Barcelona began the match with intensity, and their efforts bore fruit in the 19th minute. Marcus Rashford expertly threaded a pass across the penalty area to Ferran Torres, who cleverly evaded the offside trap and calmly finished past PSG’s goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
Nevertheless, PSG responded with unwavering spirit, even in the absence of key players such as captain Marquinhos and their frontline trio of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue.
Seizing control as the game progressed, PSG leveled the score in the 38th minute. Nuno Mendes embarked on an electrifying solo run down the left flank, skillfully bypassing three defenders before delivering a precise assist to 19-year-old Senny Mayulu, who confidently slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Late in the match, substitute Lee Kang-in came close to putting Barcelona ahead again, striking the post from the edge of the box in the 83rd minute. However, PSG clinched a well-earned winner in stoppage time, capitalizing on a swift counterattack. Achraf Hakimi’s cross found fellow substitute Goncalo Ramos, who made no mistake from close range.
Reflecting on the defeat, Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong expressed his disappointment to Movistar+, saying, “It’s very frustrating to concede so late and lose at home. We started the game strongly, but PSG were superior in the latter stages, especially in the second half.”
Man City and Juventus Draw, While Arsenal and Newcastle Secure Wins
Manchester City were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Monaco, with Eric Dier converting a penalty in the 90th minute to salvage a point for the hosts.
Similarly, Villarreal and Juventus shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, thanks to a late equalizer from Renato Veiga.
Arsenal recorded a 2-0 victory over Olympiakos, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring after just 12 minutes and Bukayo Saka sealing the result deep into injury time.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard commented on the team’s ambitions: “We aim to play creatively, and the quality within our squad is evident. Every player on the pitch is motivated to maintain their place.”
Reflecting on Arsenal’s recent history of finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and their semifinal exit in last year’s Champions League, Odegaard added, “We’ve taken those experiences positively and strengthened the squad with new additions. Hopefully, this season will be our breakthrough.”
Newcastle’s latest signing, Nick Woltemade, is quickly winning over fans as he steps into the shoes of Alexander Isak.
The German forward, acquired for a club-record $93 million, netted his third goal in four starts during Newcastle’s commanding 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise.
Woltemade’s goal, though not the most aesthetically pleasing-deflecting Sandro Tonali’s shot past goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen-provided Newcastle with an ideal start and underscored his instinctive positioning.
Having scored in consecutive matches, including a goal against Arsenal last weekend, Woltemade is showing promising signs of filling the void left by Isak, who scored 54 goals in 78 Premier League appearances before his controversial transfer to Liverpool.
Anthony Gordon contributed two penalty goals, one before and one after halftime, to put Newcastle firmly in control, while substitute Harvey Barnes added a fourth goal to complete the rout.
Qarabag continued their flawless Champions League run with a 2-0 victory over Copenhagen, courtesy of goals from Abdellah Zoubir and Emmanuel Addai, maintaining their perfect start in the competition.
