The UEFA Champions’ League group stage has already delivered its first blockbuster moment of the season. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, battling a substantial injury list, secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against FC Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday night, thanks to a last-gasp winner from substitute Gonçalo Ramos.
This fixture, a repeat of several iconic Champions League battles, lived up to its billing showcasing resilience, tactical shifts, and pure football drama. For PSG, securing all three points away from home against a European giant is a huge statement in their quest to retain the coveted trophy.
Barcelona, eager to kick off their European campaign on the front foot, looked sharp in the opening half-hour. Their early pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Marcus Rashford delivered a precise pass across the box, finding Ferran Torres, who expertly beat the offside trap and slotted past PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
With PSG missing several key players including captain Marquinhos and attacking stars Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué it looked like the Catalans were in full control.
But true champions always find a way. Despite the absences, PSG fought back with resilience and tactical control. The equalizer arrived in the 38th minute, and it was a moment of brilliance from the Parisians’ youth.
Dynamic full-back Nuno Mendes sliced through the Barça defence on a dazzling solo run before setting up 19-year-old midfielder Senny Mayulu. With composure well beyond his years, Mayulu fired clinically into the bottom corner to level the score.
The goal underscored PSG’s squad depth and the rise of their talented new generation.
The second half was more balanced, but PSG gradually grew into the game, creating chances to snatch the winner. Substitute Lee Kang-in came close in the 83rd minute when his curling shot rattled the post.
Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, PSG struck a lethal counter-attack in the 90th minute. Achraf Hakimi whipped in a perfectly timed cross from the right, finding fellow substitute Gonçalo Ramos, who coolly finished from close range to seal a famous 2-1 victory.
Wild celebrations erupted on the PSG bench as the holders made the perfect statement start to their title defense.
For PSG, this comeback win is priceless. Starting their Champions League defence with an away victory over Barcelona, despite a depleted squad, sends a powerful message across Europe: Luis Enrique’s men remain the team to beat.
For Barcelona, however, the last-minute defeat is a bitter setback. Captain Frenkie de Jong admitted post-match: “They [PSG] were better in the final stages, in the second half in general… it’s a very disappointing feeling at the end, when you concede in the last minute of the game.”
As Barça regroup for the next round, PSG carry priceless momentum forward one step closer to defending their crown.
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