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| PSG beat FC Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League – Match Report and Player Ratings |
FC Barcelona are on the verge of crashing out of the UEFA Champions League so soon after they surprisingly lost out 4-0 to French Champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in their Round of 16 first leg tie on Tuesday night.
A brace from birthday boy Angel di Maria coupled with goals from Julian Draxler and Edinson Cavani gave the French outfit a comfortable win over the Spanish champions, handing them their heaviest defeat in the competition in four years, Unai Emery’s men are now literally in the quarter final unless Barça pull up something never done in football history in the return leg on March 8.
MATCH REPORT
PSG outclassed Barcelona from start to finish, they raised the intensity from the first minute. Ter Stegen was needed on three occasions to help Barça keep the tie at 0-0 but then Di Maria scored from a free kick on the 18th minute to give the visitors the lead. Barça came close to getting the equaliser moments later after Neymar did awesome work before finding André Gomes in space on the right, but the Portuguese had his shot saved by Trapp.
Ter Stegen pulled off a fine save to deny Draxler later on but the German would get on the score sheet minutes after that. Messi lost the ball in midfield and PSG capitalised on that as Verratti found Draxler who slotted past Ter Stegen with 5 minutes of the first half left to play.
Luis Enrique surprisingly didn’t make any substitutions at halftime and things went from bad to worse as a fine curler from outside the box by Di Maria was good enough to beat Ter Stegen and give the hosts a 3-0 lead. Barça searched for the goal but were outclassed by PSG’s wonderful tactical approach, then Edinson Cavani made it 4-0.
It would be a hard job at the Camp Nou, logically impossible for Barça to turn the tie around, they needed an away goal to make things easier but didn’t get even one. Umtiti had a header come off the woodwork late on, a goal that could’ve been crucial.
PLAYER RATINGS – PSG 4-0 BARÇA
Here’s the thing, we were so poor last night that I honestly can’t waste my time creating two articles separately for the report and ratings, we had our worst game ever against PSG and it got me so annoyed, that’s me being honest with you so bear with me.
MARC–ANDRÉ TER STEGEN – 5.5
He conceded four goals, but had two crucial runs out and six saves, was literally one of Barça’s best players.. That shows how terrible we were.
SERGI ROBERTO – 2.5
Couldn’t cope on the right marking Draxler and Di Maria.. Did some things right but it was just too much for him as he didn’t even get support from the other two players in Gomes and Messi. Bad game.
GERARD PIQUÉ – 4.5
At least he showed a little determination and enthusiasm.. But just could not save Barça this time.. Also let Cavani go easy for the fourth goal.
SAMUEL UMTITI – 3.0
Fouled Draxler for the first goal, poor anticipation for the second goal.. Couldn’t rest one minute, almost gave Barça a consolation late on with a header onto the bar.
JORDI ALBA – 3.0
Just like the other full back, he was always beaten easily although his burden was less than Sergi’s..
ANDRÉ GOMES – 0.5
What a night, he was awful and there’s me being very honest, atrocious.. His positioning was very bad and he just didn’t know what he was doing.. Missed a great chance to make it 1-1, words can’t describe how bad he was.. Replaced in the second half.
SERGIO BUSQUETS – 2.5
Wasn’t connected with the play at all.. He tried his best but things just wouldn’t go his way, he got bossed by Rabiot and Verratti in midfield which is so rare.. Not a good display from the best DM in the world.
ANDRÉS INIESTA – 3.0
Tried to be calm but didn’t work out, PSG didn’t let him breathe.. Movement wasn’t as sharp as before although the small passes were great. Safe to say his worst performance in a Barça shirt in years. Replaced by Rakitic later on.
LIONEL MESSI – 1.5
Looked uninterested.. Lost the ball for PSG’s second goal… He could not create anything, rushed by multiple players each time he had the ball.. He was locked, and since I knew Barça, there have never been a worse and less active display by the best player in the world, ever.
LUIS SUAREZ – 1.5
It was like he didn’t play, was bad whenever he had the chance to.. But I wouldn’t blame him, it’s hard to perform as a 9 without service..
NEYMAR – 6.0
Probably the only positive of the game was seeing Neymar fight for something, was enthusiastic and tried everything he could.. Barça’s most lively player and their best player of the night.. Was always clustered, hence he had it wrong on occasions but if his other teammates committed themselves like he did then Barça would’ve gotten something from the game.
SUBSTITUTES…
RAFINHA ALCÁNTARA – 3.5
Came on for Gomes in the second half and showed much more enthusiasm whilst also playing better.. Although he didn’t do much.
RAKITIC – 5.0
Should’ve been brought on at HT to provide stability in defence since the team were toothless in attack. Did more in the little time he spent on the pitch after replacing Iniesta than most of the players.
LUIS ENRIQUE – 0.5
That last .5 was because he stood up.. He is one clueless coach.. He’s had great times at Barça but for the love of God it’s time to say goodbye.. Should leave this our beloved club as soon as possible..
THE TEAM – 0
Zero