UCL: Barcelona defensive issues exposed as PSG prove far too good in cracker

This was billed as the game of the round, and it did not disappoint, as both teams arrived full of confidence.

Désiré Doué gave the hosts a deserved 38th-minute lead with a clinical finish after Vitinha won the ball high up the pitch.

Barcelona levelled ten minutes after the restart through teenage right-back Xavi Espart, who finished superbly after a neat one-two with Fermín López on his full Champions League debut.

Lucas Hernández restored PSG’s advantage with a powerful header from a João Neves corner in the 72nd minute.

Lamine Yamal then produced a moment of individual brilliance, driving past substitute Warren Zaïre-Emery and firing into the near post to make it 2-2 with 11 minutes remaining.

The equaliser only briefly lifted Barcelona. Vitinha restored the lead almost immediately with a superb half-volley from the edge of the box, before Fabián Ruiz tapped home Achraf Hakimi’s cross four minutes later to seal a commanding victory.

Barcelona’s defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed in Paris, and the result ends the Catalans’ perfect start to the season.