This Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain won 2-1 against FC Barcelona (match summary video) in the second matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League at the Montjuïc Stadium. Here are the highlights and lowlights of this victory.
Standouts –
The team.
With key players missing (Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, João Neves and Marquinhos, who were all starters in the Champions League final), there were concerns for PSG in Barcelona. The start of the match was indeed difficult. But this Paris team has a special collective strength and character. They managed to gradually overcome one of the best teams in Europe. This was achieved with young players, finding solutions to overcome difficulties, including injuries. This also involved a certain amount of selflessness. It was a great performance to watch.
Senny Mayulu.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder started as a false 9 and was again impressive in the game. He added a very important goal, like a true number 9. This academy graduate impresses and isn’t intimidated; we want to see more of him.
Nuno Mendes.
The 23-year-old left-back wasn’t perfect, but you have to be very demanding to not include him in the highlights. He won so many duels, disrupted Lamine Yamal, and created several chances. He also provided the assist for Mayulu’s goal. What a player.
Gonçalo Ramos, super sub.
As a starter, the 24-year-old striker has been rather disappointing recently. As a substitute, he had a great impact. Pressing, winning a free kick, a deflection, creating danger, and scoring a crucial goal. We would like to see him confirm this form against teams where there will be less space. But it’s positive to see him hold on and fight back despite the difficulties.
Disappointments –
Bradley Barcola
This is perhaps a bit harsh, but the 23-year-old forward was expected to perform well, and he was somewhat disappointing. He didn’t receive many through balls, admittedly. More importantly, he squandered a couple of good opportunities. Nothing disastrous, but he was below par.
The start of the match.
PSG impressed greatly in the second half, but they struggled initially. Barça were playing well, but the Parisians also seemed a bit lethargic. There was a strange feeling that PSG were letting things slide.
