Ramos Strikes Late as PSG Edge Barcelona in Champions League Thriller
Paris Saint-Germain earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium, with Sergio Ramos’ late winner sealing a memorable night for Luis Enrique’s injury-hit side.
Ferran Torres had put Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in front with a composed finish after linking up with youngster Lamine Yamal and Pedri. But PSG hit back before the break when Nuno Mendes surged forward and set up 19-year-old Senny Mayulu, who calmly equalized past Wojciech Szczesny.
The second half delivered end-to-end football, with both sides trading chances. Yamal continued to dazzle down the right flank, while Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong came close for the hosts. At the other end, Bradley Barcola and Kang-in Lee tested Szczesny as PSG pushed higher up the pitch.
The game looked destined for a draw until the 88th minute, when Achraf Hakimi broke Barcelona’s defensive line and squared for Ramos, who kept his composure to slot home the decisive goal.
Luis Enrique, returning to face his former club, praised his side’s resilience.
“After scoring the first goal, we grew in confidence and in the second half we were better,” the PSG coach said. “It’s always tough against Barcelona, so this is an important victory.”
Enrique, who famously won the treble with Barca in 2015, was missing several key forwards, including Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doué. But full-backs Hakimi and Mendes shone, with Enrique calling them “the two best in the world in their positions.”
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong admitted the late defeat stung but insisted his team would bounce back.
“If you concede in the last minute and lose at home, of course, it’s disappointing,” he said. “But there’s still a long way to go in the Champions League. We know we have to improve, and we will.”
The victory gives PSG two wins from two in the group stage, while Barcelona is left to regroup after a spirited but frustrating night.
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