Paris Saint-Germain produced a statement victory in the Champions League as Gonçalo Ramos’ dramatic 90th-minute winner sealed a 2-1 triumph over Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
It was the first time an away team had ever scored a last-minute winner in European competition against Barcelona, and it underlined PSG’s intent to defend the treble they captured last season.
Early Promise for Barcelona
Barcelona started brightly, fuelled by the pace of Marcus Rashford and the trickery of 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. The home crowd was rewarded after 19 minutes when Rashford burst down the left and delivered a superb low cross that Ferran Torres poked in at the far post.
It was the Spaniard’s second goal of the season, and continued Rashford’s fine run of form—he has now scored or assisted in five of Barca’s last six matches.
Xavi’s side looked comfortable in the early stages, enjoying long spells of possession, but PSG gradually grew into the contest.
PSG Hit Back
Despite being without their first-choice front three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Doué, plus captain Marquinhos, Luis Enrique’s team carried a constant threat through their marauding full-backs.
The equaliser arrived in the 38th minute when Nuno Mendes surged forward and cut the ball back into the path of Senny Mayulu. The 19-year-old, who scored in last season’s final against Inter Milan, calmly slotted beyond Wojciech Szczęsny for 1-1.
The goal stunned Barcelona, and from then on PSG looked the likelier side to take all three points.
Missed Chances Before the Killer Blow
Barcelona struggled to regain control after the break, despite flashes of skill from Yamal and the probing passes of Pedri. Robert Lewandowski cut a frustrated figure, barely receiving service against PSG’s disciplined back line.
Meanwhile, the French champions began to assert dominance. Lee Kang-in rattled the post with a curling effort late on, while Achraf Hakimi surged forward repeatedly, stretching Barca’s defence.
Then came the decisive moment. In the 90th minute, Hakimi found space on the right and whipped in a perfect cross. Substitute Ramos, showing the poacher’s instinct that made him a summer signing, darted ahead of his marker and guided a first-time shot past Szczęsny.
The finish sparked wild celebrations from the PSG bench and their travelling supporters, while Barcelona players slumped in disbelief.
Enrique’s Masterstroke
For former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, it was a night of vindication. His substitutions proved crucial, with both Mayulu and Ramos making decisive contributions. PSG, despite their injury setbacks, demonstrated depth and resilience, qualities that made them treble winners last season.
Ramos, who had also scored in stoppage time during PSG’s 4-0 win over Atalanta in the group opener, reiterated the team’s ambitions afterwards: “We want to win everything again. We’re not satisfied with last season. We want more.”
Barcelona Left to Regret
For Barcelona, the defeat was a harsh reminder of the levels required at Europe’s elite stage. Rashford impressed, Pedri controlled spells in midfield, and Torres’ opener showcased their attacking potential. Yet their defensive lapses and inability to manage the wide threats of Hakimi and Mendes ultimately cost them.
The loss leaves Xavi’s men with three points from two games, while PSG sit top of the group with six.
What It Means
PSG’s victory will fuel belief they are once again the team to beat in this season’s Champions League. Their ability to dig deep and find late winners, even when missing star names, speaks volumes about their mentality.
Barcelona, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to return to La Liga action. Their temporary home at Montjuïc has witnessed moments of promise, but this painful defeat will linger.
For PSG, the message was clear: the champions remain hungry.
