Raphinha Prints Brace, Barcelona Beat PSG

Barcelona player Raphinha celebrated a goal in the match against Paris Saint-Germain. (X@FCBarcelona)

JAKARTA - Barcelona's brilliant performance was left behind before beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 in the first match of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Pars des Princes Stadium, Thursday, April 11, 2024 in the morning WIB. Raphinha scored the brace that won Barca.

Barca showed the best and consistent game. When playing away matches in European competitions, Barca was recorded to have won for the fifth time in a row in various competitions.

In the match against PSG, Barca took the lead first. But PSG was able to catch up and turn things around.

Barca showed the spirit of never giving up. The Spanish La Liga giant is in exchange for breaking into PSG's goal twice in a row to win the match.

The victory was very meaningful and opened Barca's chances to the semifinals. Because Xavi Hernandez's team only needed a draw in the second match which was held at home to get rid of PSG. The second match was held at the Ol Maritime Affairs Companys Olectic Stadium, Barcelona, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in the morning WIB.

On the other hand, PSG had to win a second game to bring the opportunity to the semifinals. It's definitely not an easy matter for the French Ligue 1 team to play at home to Barca even though the opportunity has not been closed.

In that duel, Barca appeared offensive to suppress PSG's defense. However, PSG, handled by former Barca coach Luis Enrique, also played openly. Even Enrique said PSG played more like the Barcelona team itself than Barca.

Hanya, Xavi yang pernah ditangani Enrique silenyikan gurunya. Pemain depan Raphinha sukses memecahkan deadlock.

He broke into PSG's goal in the 37th minute. The 1-0 score for Barca lasted until halftime.

Entering the second half, PSG played more aggressively in pursuing the goal deficit. Their efforts immediately gave results.

The game has only been running for three minutes, former Barca player Ousmane Dembele successfully beat Mac-Andre goalkeeper ter Stegen.

The 1-1 score made Kylian Mbappe et al more aggressive in suppressing the Barca defense. Evidently, PSG increased their advantage. This time, Vitinha broke into the opponent's goal in the 51st minute. He finished the assist from Fabian Ruiz.

But Barca showed high enthusiasm for catching up. Their effort came back after Raphinha scored his second goal in the 62nd minute. The Brazilian's goal started with Pedri's assist which was well completed.

Furthermore, midfielder Andrea Christensen who came in to replace Frenkie de Jong became the determinant of the Blaugrana victory.

He completed an assist from Ilkay Gundogan to beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 77th minute.

The score changed to 3-2 for Barca. Furthermore, no more goals were created. Barca also closed the first match of the quarter-finals with an impressive victory.