PSG-Barça: A Player by Player Analysis

The live coverage with SPORT of PSG-Barça That match was marked by Robert Lewandowski’s injury, as he had to be substituted after sustaining a knock to his left leg, resulting in a minor ankle sprain that caused him to miss three matches, one in the Champions League and two in the league. If in the pre-match statements Luis Enrique’s defense of the Barça DNA over Xavi has been the focus of all opinions and debates, once the ball started rolling, all controversies and conjectures about the coaches were forgotten, and the players took center stage.

Here’s the player-by-player analysis of Barça against PSG: 8 Ter Stegen, Goalkeeper Playmaker

The German goalkeeper is crucial in overcoming PSG’s pressure. His precise passes help progress and surpass lines. His deep pass to Raphinha in the 5th minute was a marvel. Additionally, he is very secure between the posts, instilling immense calmness in his teammates.

8 Jules Koundé, Defender Antidote

Playing as a right-back, his battle with Kylian Mbappé is crucial for the future of the tie. Jules knows Mbappé’s strengths well, but the French forward also knows what the Barça defender is capable of. The Blaugrana defender remains highly focused, aware that any lapse will be fatal. Nuno Mendes’s forward runs are also a headache, but Koundé is solid and effective in all defensive actions. His marking on Mbappé was impeccable.

7 Ronald Araujo, Defender Rock

The Uruguayan’s power and consistency are Barça’s defensive trump card to contain PSG’s potent attack. So far, he’s been solid at the back, displaying total understanding with Pau Cubarsí. Robust and attentive as always in the most demanding matches. He could have done more in Dembélé’s goal, but his cover to prevent a Barcola goal was decisive.

8 Pau Cubarsí, Defender Historic

Pau has become the youngest center-back in Champions League history to play in the quarter-finals of this competition. Positioned as the left center-back, he’s shown great attentiveness and concentration in defense. He seems like a veteran. His ball control is delightful. Raphinha’s 0-1 goal stemmed from his spectacular build-up play from the back. His defensive coverages are outstanding, although he’s facing more challenges in the second half.

6 Joao Cancelo, Defender Versatile

Accustomed to his dual role as a full-back in defense and winger in attack, the effort required for the Portuguese is doubled in a high-stakes encounter. Marking Dembélé is a tough test for the City loanee. He alternates between some mistakes and great moments, but Barcola has exploited his back more easily than Dembélé.

6 Sergi Roberto, Defender Sacrificed

The good form of the Reus native in recent weeks has earned him a starting spot. With Christensen absent, he’s filling the lower part of the midfield square alongside De Jong. His role is to balance the midfield. To halt a counter, he forced a yellow card that will see him miss the return leg. He operates quietly but always delivers. Xavi substituted him for Pedri in the 60th minute.

6 Frenkie de Jong, Midfielder Revived

Xavi’s bold decision to start him after several weeks out injured highlights the Dutchman’s stature in the team. So far, he hasn’t been able to impose his class as expected, but he’s growing into the game. He seemed too soft in Dembélé’s goal. Xavi substituted him when he showed signs of fatigue.

7 Ilkay Gündogan, Midfielder Provider

Although he caused a scare by leaving during the warm-up, Xavi breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out to be nothing serious. Positioned as the most offensive midfielder, the clarity of his vision determines whether the forwards get clear chances. He retains the ball well and plays it with precision. Near the box, his performance multiplies. His assist for Christensen’s 2-3 goal was splendid.

9 Raphinha, Forward Maestro

Playing as the left winger defensively, he freely roams in attack, trying to free up space for Cancelo’s forward runs. He didn’t capitalize on a splendid long pass from Ter Stegen, although his speed is always a threat. He capitalized on a splendid pass from Lamine to score a brilliant goal. He’s currently in the best form of the season. His defensive work and threat in space make him indispensable. The 2-2 goal is a class act with a beastly volley from a brilliant pass by Pedri. He almost scored a third goal with a free-kick. Xavi substituted him in the 75th minute.

Lamine Yamal, Forward Magician

His differential quality means that any caution regarding his age is disregarded by the coaching staff. In addition to focusing on destabilizing on the right, his defensive contributions are crucial. When he receives the ball upfront, alarms go off for the Parisians. His pass for the 0-1 with the outside of his foot is top-notch. If he keeps progressing, he’ll be a historic star. His duel with Nuno Mendes was intense. Xavi substituted him for Joao Felix in the 60th minute.

7 Robert Lewandowski, Forward Threatening

It’s a game of patience for the Polish striker. He has to manage the few balls he receives wisely. So far, he’s been involved very little, but he always knows what he’s doing. He needs the team to have more possession to shine and demonstrate his level. Nuno Mendes prevented a clear chance for the Blaugrana No. 9 with a header that seemed destined to be the 0-1. He’s fully engaged in the game. His header from Lamine’s cross seemed more like a clearance.

9 Pedri, Midfielder Innovator

His presence in Paris wasn’t expected, but Xavi brought him on for Sergi Roberto in the 60th minute. In one of his first touches, he created a fantastic pass to Raphinha, which could have resulted in the 2-2. Positioned in the lower part of the midfield square, his presence is invaluable for the team. Nobody expected this level in his comeback.

6 Joao Felix, Forward Impactful Substitute

He came on for Lamine Yamal to inject freshness into the attack. He’s finding it difficult to get involved. He had a good chance with a long-range shot and a dangerous counter with a venomous cross.

7 Andreas Christensen, Defender Header Specialist

He came on for De Jong, and in his first touch, he scored the 2-3 with an amazing header. He’ll miss the return leg due to a tactical foul that earned him a painful yellow card.

6 Ferran Torres, Forward Back from Injury

He came on for Raphinha to provide fresh legs in attack and help in defense.

6 Fermín López, Midfielder Refreshment

His presence in the final stretch, replacing Gündogan, served to add energy and fresh legs in the midfield.