Paris Saint-Germain did the unthinkable and defeated Barcelona with 4-0, leaving Football pundits haywired. PSG were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Barcelona in 2013 and 2015 and everyone thought that history would repeat itself but this was the game where performance mattered, rather than the history.
Barcelona’s trip to Parc des Princes for the round of 16 ended up in a disaster as they were consistently outplayed by the all-round performance from PSG’s attack and defense. One of the biggest talking point of the Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Barcelona was the midfield domination of the hosts. While all the praises might go to the trio of Julian Draxler, Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani for exceptional goals that trashed Barcelona, the turning point was the game was the midfield run.
FULL TIME: An absolutely masterful performance from PSG, who take a 4-0 first-leg lead over Barcelona!!! #PSGFCB 🔴🔵 #PARISESTMAGIQUE pic.twitter.com/ej3mvUMNJd
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 14, 2017
Marco Verratti lived upto the expectations as the Frenchman’s distribution and movement were outstanding and unparalleled through the game. Blaise Matuidi and Adrien Rabiot showed great maturity and their tireless tactics paralysed Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi from attacking through the centre.
Luis Enrique’s side now requires a never seen, unprecedented and magical comeback to remain in the competition after being through the biggest upset in modern football.
PSG’s manager Unai Emery, on the other hand, will be cherishing the moment as after facing Barcelona in the last decade and locking horns in 23 games, this is only the second time that his team has defeated the Catalans. Emery always tend to go with a packed midfield against Barcelona, leaving the players struggling for space and this has been a constant in his tenure with Almeria, Valencia, Sevilla and now Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, Barcelona would be finding an answer to ‘what went wrong’ in the inaugural round of 16 game and the world’s best attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. would be dressing the wound, that’s gonna take a long time to heal.
Here is how Twitter Reacted after Barcelona crumbled down to a 0-4 defeat.
When you get your heart broken on #Valentines Day…
Barcelona leave the city of love with nothing as @PSG_English hammer them 4-0 #UCL pic.twitter.com/wREoaAw83g— Sporting Index (@sportingindex) February 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/sluggahjells/status/831612208509509634
MSN today in Paris…#PSGBAR#PSGFCB pic.twitter.com/xQEtBVgPBB
— Unibet Belgium (@unibetbelgium) February 14, 2017
Oh look, PSG did that crowd celebration hand hold thing.
I haven't seen that since Liverpool drew with West Brom at home that one time.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 14, 2017
4 – No side has ever overturned a 4+ goal deficit to progress in the Champions League knockout stages. Massacre.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 14, 2017
If @PSG_English beat @FCBarcelona today, then we can only assume that the gods no longer hate us and Trump will soon retire. #PSGFCB
— Dally Doo (@Dallingreenhalg) February 14, 2017
I've always wondered how in the world #Verratti covers all that ground. He's a magician but also a warrior. That makes him special #PSGFCB
— Vince Van Genechten 🇮🇹 (@VVGenechten) February 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/Rickman_93/status/831608001916178436
Bottling this hard in #Last16. You shall now be known as Arsecelona #UCL #PSGFCB #TopKek
— Will (@willzo) February 14, 2017
Predicting the score of #PSGFCB like a pro! https://t.co/scbdsS1rZh
— Pete Nowakowski (@petenowakowski) February 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/AshHanson1/status/831609694980603904
https://twitter.com/NoahP96/status/831610942639202304
I swear they are playing Nantes #PSGFCB
— Karim (@_Karimz__) February 14, 2017
3:0 well its done #PSGFCB pic.twitter.com/UuvyD106WB
— Mewael Goitom (@mewael_goitom) February 14, 2017
Messi's game so far… #PSGFCB pic.twitter.com/6sFKhVucWx
— Joe. (@JozephSM) February 14, 2017
If only Barcelona still had Bravo… #PSGFCB
— Sam (@Sam___J) February 14, 2017
Barcelona right now: Celebrating Valentines day would have been a better idea! #PSGFCB #ChampionsLeague
— Dhiraj singh (@dhirajsingh0206) February 14, 2017
It's over #PSGFCB pic.twitter.com/0gvgob4ZOh
— Le G 🥨🥨 (@CanKhey) February 14, 2017
PSG turned on their inner Celtic tonight.
What a superb victory
— Deluded Brendan (@DeludedBrendan) February 14, 2017
What a day to be alive!
Truly love is in d air. If u doubt,
ask Barca fans. 4:0#PSGFCB— RD (@_Maxair) February 14, 2017
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