The miracle, fervently awaited from PSG’s fans, didn’t happen and Barça finished on top, as usually, letting the Parisians lament about what if…? Whose fault ? The players’, the coach’s or simply because of a good, solid and experienced Catalan team?

Psg’s supporters came back home, not only disappointed by their team’s performance, but also angry about Laurent Blanc’s coaching. Paris finished second and they’ll likely have a tough time with a first leg at Parc des Princes against some European  bigshot.

Barça came back from an early (14th) Ibrahimovic goal with two first half strikes from Messi and Neymar. Another goal, this time from Catalans third man, Suarez, after the break, fired them to top spot in Group F.

PSG’s players ratings:

Man of the Match : Marco Verratti   7,5

The best Parisian;  excellent in defense, especially against Messi. The young midfielder, was technically perfect and did a remarkable job in keeping the ball.Subbed(suprisely) very early (63th) by Javier Pastore,

Salvatore Sirigu : 5

The Italian goalkeeper, should help more his team; he could do better for at least two of the three goals, he conceded. A good save against Suarez, but lacking concentration and assurance in almost all of his interventions.

 Gregory Van der Wiel : 4,5

Struggling in defense, during the whole game, he was constantly harassed by Neymar, a living nightmare for the Parisian. No much luck with Xavi, either; he was eliminated pronto, before the third goal.

David Luiz : 3,5

He was sooo good against the Catalans at the Parc des Princes ! What happened to the former Chelsea man? He produced some rare but quality game and  in defending , a lack of  involvement and speed, especially in the second half.

Thiago Silva : 3

Why, oh why he was on the pitch ? Because of the tag price, or the captaincy? The brazilian defender is still living last’s summer World Cup’s, nightmare! He was bad, so bad that any other coach, but Laurent Blanc, would prefer to leave him at home, in front of the telly.

Maxwell : 5

PSG’s best defender; not excellent, but he did the best he could to keep the Catalans out of his wing. Less good in attack, he missed an incredible opportunity to score.(62nd).

Thiago Motta : 4

Motta’s problems on the pitch are not recent; since the beginning of the season, he’s the shadow of his former self. Unable to win any duel, slow, he was more of a liability than an asset to the Parisians.

Blaise Mathuidi : 7

Good performance from the French international. Excellent assist for Ibrahimovic’s goal, he produced an interesting game, especially  good in the middle and pressing well . Subbed by Lavezzi ( 75th)

Verratti : MOTM ( see above)

Lucas : 6,5

The Brazilian international, was one of the best Parisians, on the pitch of Camp Nou. Good technician, won many duels and gave several good balls to his teammates. What a pity, though to miss such a good chance in the first half( 29th).

Edinson Cavani : 4,5

He could score in the first half(31st) but… Always the same story; when he’s playing on the left side, he’s just unable to score. Generous in defending, he helped his teammates, but that’s not what  the supporters are waiting for…

Zlatan Ibrahimovic : 6,5

HE IS BACK ! After a long absence due to a heel injury, the Suede international, scored a very nice goal at his former home of Camp Nou. He played some good balls and tried to give the opportunity to score, to his teammates Cavani and Lucas, but he wasn’t enough decisive, what a pity !

Here’s the game’s highlights :

Categories: Analysis, Champions League, opinion

Tags: FC Barcelona, PSG