Top spot in Group F was on offer this evening as Barcelona welcomed Paris Saint-Germain to the Camp Nou in the Champions League.
Both sides had already comfortably qualified from the section, but Barca needed to win to secure first place.
It was PSG that took the lead after 15 minutes through Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Lionel Messi levelled just four minutes later.
Barca entered the half-time interval with the lead following a curling effort from Neymar after 42 minutes.
The home side made sure of the points in the latter stages when Luis Suarez converted from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Paris Saint-Germain in what should be a wonderful occasion. Right, before we get down to the details ahead of the match, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Pedro, Pique, Bartra, Mathieu; Iniesta, Mascherano, Busquets; Neymar, Messi, Suarez
PSG: Sirigu; Van der Wiel, Silva, Luiz, Maxwell; Motta, Matuidi, Verratti; Lucas, Ibrahimovic, Cavani
So there we have it. Pedro will seemingly start at right-back for Barca, which is certainly a change in role for the Spaniard. That is a very interesting one indeed. Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu also come into the defence, while Javier Mascherano moves into midfield. As expected, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez all start.
There are three former Barca players in the PSG side this evening, meanwhile, with Maxwell, Thiago Motta and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all returning to the Camp Nou. Lucas Moura is also given a start for the French champions, while Thiago Silva starts at centre-back alongside fellow Brazilian David Luiz. However, the in-form Javier Pastore is somewhat surprisingly left on the bench by Laurent Blanc.
Various media outlets in Spain are reporting different formations for Barca this evening. Is it Pedro at right-back? Or a possible 3-4-3 formation? We shall soon find out - only Luis Enrique knows!
As mentioned, top spot in Group F is up for grabs this evening. Both of these sides have already comfortably qualified from the section, but who finishes top and who finishes second will be decided in the next few hours. As it stands, PSG sit top on 13 points, while Barcelona are second on 12 points.
As a result, a draw would be enough for PSG to secure top spot – and in theory a favourable draw in the next round of the competition – while Barcelona need to win if they are to snatch first position away. Make no mistake about it, neither of these two teams will want to finish second in Group F.
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Incredibly, Barcelona have not failed to win their Champions League group since the 2006-07 season. If that record is to extend to an eighth season, then they will need to beat the French side, which has certainly proved problematic over the last few Champions League meetings.
The reverse match in Paris ended in a 3-2 PSG win, with that victory allowing Blanc's side to take control of the section. PSG and Barca also met in the quarter-finals of the 2012-13 Champions League, with the Ligue 1 side exiting despite securing a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Camp Nou.
In fact, Barcelona's only win in six games against PSG came in the 1996-97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final. Now Barca boss Luis Enrique represented the Spanish side in that particular match and the Spaniard will look to draw inspiration from the 1-0 victory ahead of this crucial encounter.
Barcelona, however, will enter this match with a stunning home record in the Champions League. The Catalan outfit have lost just one of their last 29 home matches in this competition - winning 22 times in the process. Barca's home record against French sides is also strong – winning five of their eight matches and losing just once in the process. Kickoff is little under 30 minutes away in Spain...
Barcelona opened their Group F challenge with a 1-0 win at home to Cypriot side APOEL, before, as mentioned, losing 3-2 in Paris. They have won all three European games since then, however, beating Dutch outfit Ajax home and away, before recording a thumping 4-0 win at APOEL last time out.
Barca will also enter the match off the back of a seven-game winning run, with Sunday's 5-1 success at home to Espanyol moving the Catalan outfit into second spot in La Liga after 14 games of the season. As it stands, they are just two points off the leaders Real Madrid, who should, in theory, be running away with it due to their current form - 19 successive wins in all competitions.
PSG, meanwhile, will enter the match off the back 2-1 win over Nantes in their domestic table. As it stands, the French champions are top of Ligue 1 on 37 points and they are yet to lose in any competition this season. If that record continues this evening then they will indeed top the section.
PSG opened their Group F campaign with a 1-1 draw in Ajax, before beating Barca to move onto four points. That victory sparked a run of four straight wins in the Champions League, with APOEL (home and away) and Ajax finding the French champions too hot to handle in Europe.
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Barca's home record in the Champions League might be extremely strong, but PSG boast strong away form in Europe. The French side have lost just two of their last 11 Champions League away matches – winning seven times in the process. Something has to give this evening!
PSG's record in Spain is also impressive, with four wins and just three defeats from their 10 matches on the road to La Liga opposition. The fact that they secured a 1-1 draw at Barca during the 2012-13 season will certainly give them confidence ahead of the match. They know what it takes.
PREDICTION! This has all the makings of a real classic. Barcelona will enter the match as the favourites, but PSG are a different animal these days. In truth, I am finding it hard to separate the two teams and will therefore back a 1-1 draw, which would see PSG top the group.
Here we go then. Both sets of players are in the tunnel ahead of the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope that the football matches it!
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Who will triumph this evening? Just a reminder that Barca need to win in order to top the group.
Both of these sides have already qualified from Group F, but who tops the section? It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes underway at the Camp Nou. This should be very special!
It appears that Mathieu and Pedro are playing as wing-backs for Barca this evening, but that could all change very quickly. The home side have taken control of the possession in the early moments, with the likes of Iniesta and Pique seeing plenty of the ball. That will be a pattern this evening.
It is 3-4-3 for Barcelona, which is not something that you see too often! Not too much to report in the early moments here, but the home side are in control of the ball. PSG, meanwhile, have retreated into a defensive shape. Barca have a free kick outside the box here as Matuidi fells Pedro...
... the resulting set piece is taken by Messi, but his effort is just over the crossbar.
PSG have not really been allowed to settle into their surroundings in the early moments as Barca continue to pressure in the final third of the field. The referee has been called upon to award a couple of free kicks, but there has not really been a clear chance for the home team thus far.
Pique has a problem for Barca here following a challenge with Motta. Moments before, Ibrahimovic had attempted to feed a pass into Cavani, but Pique was on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Lucas shows his turn of pace for PSG, but Mascherano comes across to foul the Brazilian. The French side have a passing sequence down the right moments later, but the attack comes to an end when Van der Wiel loses possession. PSG are just starting to settle into the match here.
Neymar does not look entirely happy at the moment, with the Brazilian seemingly still struggling from an early knock that he picked up in a challenge with Lucas. PSG are down the right again with Van der Wiel, but his cross is head clear by Pique. It is a good spell for the visitors...
Suarez has not been able to get the best of Luiz in the opening 14 minutes, with the PSG centre-back winning a free kick following a collision on the left. Still no real chances for either side.
Neymar goes down again and the worry continues. Could the Brazilian's night be over?
Neymar returns to his feet, for now. Well, 15 minutes into the contest and not too much has happened. Barca have dominated possession of the ball, but PSG have been a threat on the counter attack.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 PSG (Ibrahimovic)
Ibra! PSG take the lead with 15 minutes on the clock as Matuidi sets up Ibrahimovic, who rattles his effort past Ter Stegen from close range. Where was the marking?! It had to be him didn't it!
It must be said that the marking from Barca was very poor. Matuidi had all sorts of space and simply rolled one towards Ibrahimovic, who was always going to score from that position. Barca look all over the place in terms of their formation at the moment, with Pedro playing in about four different positions.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 PSG (Messi)
We are all level here! Barcelona equalise after 19 minutes as Suarez fumbles a low cross into the box and Messi is on hand to convert at the far post. Simple move, but very effective!
Well, this match has suddenly livened up hasn't it! What a game we could have on our hands.
PSG have just taken control of the ball in the last couple of minutes, with Motta and Verratti enjoying possession in the middle of the park. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals here. Both sides have such attacking talent in their armoury.
Couple of half-chances for Barca, but Messi is denied by a last-ditch challenge from Verratti, before Van der Wiel blocks an attempt from Suarez. The ball breaks to Busquets outside the box from the resulting corner, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Still 1-1 here.
Possession football from the home side as they continue to pass and probe outside the box, with Messi and Suarez both looking dangerous. Barca are flooding the midfield at the moment, which is making it difficult for PSG to gain a foothold. We have a real match on our hands here.
Suarez might have only scored once for Barca this season, but the striker has been heavily involved in other areas. When the goals start to flow, Barca will be a seriously scary prospect. Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for PSG to regain the lead as Maxwell flashes a low cross towards Lucas, but somehow the Brazilian fires wide from close range - what a miss!
CHANCE! Another chance for the visitors as Ibrahimovic breaks beyond the Barca defence before floating a wonderful ball onto the foot of Cavani, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. PSG have opened the Spanish side up on a couple of occasions.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and the score is still 1-1 at the Camp Nou. Barca have not had too much in the way of clear chances thus far, with PSG ahead in that department.
We have not seen too much from Neymar in the first period, but the Brazilian has started to pick up some dangerous areas in the final third of the field. Barca break down the left with Neymar, who delivers towards the centre of the box, but Luiz is on hand to clear up-field to Ibrahimovic.
Suarez attempts to go alone just outside the PSG box, but the forward loses control under pressure and the away side clear the danger. Verratti is the player that drives forward and the Italian wins a free kick from Neymar. Still 1-1 with little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Suarez to score his second Barcelona goal as the Uruguay international strikes a loose ball inside the box, but Sirigu is on hand to make the save.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 PSG (Neymar)
Oh my good grief! Barca take the lead with 41 minutes on the clock as Neymar drives to the edge of the PSG box before curling one into the bottom corner. World-class from Neymar there!
This has been some match and we still have a second period to come!
Possession football from the home side in the last couple of minutes, with PSG hoping to regroup at the interval. I am still not sure about Barca's defence - far from it actually.
Just the one minute of added time.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 2-1 PSG
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barca leading 2-1. PSG opened the scoring after 15 minutes through Ibrahimovic, but goals from Messi and Neymar have turned the game around. As it stands, Barca will top the group, with PSG finishing in second position.
STATS! Barca have dominated the possession with 62%, while they have had eight attempts - three of which have been on target. PSG, meanwhile, have hit the target with two of their three attempts. There has not been a single booking thus far despite some late challenges.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have the likes of Jordi Alba, Xavi, Ivan Rakitic and Munir on their bench this evening. PSG, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Cabaye, Lavezzi and Javier Pastore. Both managers certainly have the ability to influence matters.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As mentioned, Barcelona will top the group as it stands. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that alterations will occur as the second period gathers pace.
End-to-end start to the second 45 minutes, with both sides threatening in the final third. Neymar has a low cross cleared by Maxwell, before Ibrahimovic shows excellent feet down the other end. The Swede later falls in the box under pressure from Pique, but the referee is not interested.
Half-chance for Ibrahimovic as the Swede rises above Mathieu before meeting a corner, but his header was always moving high of the crossbar. Decent start to the second period from the visitors.
The pace of the match has just slowed in the last couple of minutes, with Barca enjoying possession in the middle of the park. PSG remain a threat on the counter, but Lucas is yet to feature in the second period. Just a reminder that a win for Barca would see the Spanish side top the group.
Barca have a half-chance on the counter as Messi leads an attack before sliding a pass into Pedro, but the Spaniard's cross is poor and PSG have a dead ball. Good chance there.
CHANCE! How have PSG not scored! It is sunday league defending from Barca as Lucas drives into the box before facing up to Ter Stegen. Barca fail to clear immediately, while Cavani and Matuidi both have efforts before eventually the ball is scrambled clear. Wow!
GOAL DISALLOWED! Suarez curls one into the far corner for Barca, but the referee signals that the striker used his hand moments before converting. Correct call.
It has been a very lively start to the second period and PSG really should be level here there is no question about that. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals in Spain.
BOOKING! Cavani (PSG) goes into the book for a pull on Neymar.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Barca still lead 2-1 at the Camp Nou. We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Both teams have an embarrassment of riches on the sidelines that is for certain. Who will move first?
The pace has dropped in the last few minutes, with Barca happy to pass and probe in the final third without really threatening to force the issue. PSG are the team that need a goal here.
SUB! PSG make their first change as Pastore replaces Verratti.
There is still plenty of life in PSG as the French outfit continue to threaten in wide areas, but the quality into the box has not really been there in the second period. It appears that Barca will make their first change of the match in the next minute or two, with Rakitic ready to enter.
Just a reminder that both of these teams have already made it into the next round of the competition, but three points for Barca would see the Spanish side top the section ahead of second-place PSG.
SUB! Barca make their first change as Rakitic replaces Pedro.
It has been a difficult evening for Pedro, who has played right-wing, right-back and centre-midfield for periods of the match. Now it is over to Rakitic for the final 20 minutes or so here.
Barca are comfortable at the moment, with PSG not offering too much in the final third of the field. Both sides have been guilty of conceding possession too easily in the last few minutes, but there is still plenty of time for more goals. On the balance, a draw would be just about right at this stage.
Matuidi has a problem here as the PSG midfielder hits the deck for the second time in two minutes. However, it appears that the Frenchman will be fit to continue. Xavi is imminent for Barca.
SUB! Barca make their second change as Xavi replaces Iniesta.
SUB! PSG make their second change as Lavezzi replaces Matuidi.
Lavezzi is immediately involved for PSG as the Argentine drives a low cross towards the near post, but Pique is on hand to clear for a corner. Little under 15 minutes of normal time remaining.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 PSG (Suarez)
Barca put the game to bed with 77 minutes on the clock as Suarez converts from close range after Sirigu had denied Neymar. Xavi and Messi were also both involved in the build-up.
Messi, Neymar and Suarez all on the scoresheet for Barca tonight, for the first time.
Half-chance for Ibrahimovic as poor defending from Barca presents the ball to the Swede inside the box, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. Messi is on the break moments later, but the Argentine cannot feed a pass into Rakitic, who had found all sorts of room in the final third.
Luiz tries his luck for the away side, but his effort was always rising high and wide.
It has been a good spell from the away side since they conceded a third, but the latest attack comes to a close when Maxwell delivers into the arms of Ter Stegen. You just get the feeling that there could be one more goal in this match. A final score of 4-1 would certainly be harsh on the visitors.
Barca remain a threat in the final third as Messi dances past two challenges before attempting to find Xavi, but Luiz is on hand to thump clear. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! Messi comes close to scoring a second after dancing past two defenders, but his effort was just wide of the post. Messi has been just magic again this evening.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes.
PSG have a free kick just outside the Barca box as Mascherano fells Cavani...
...Ibrahimovic takes the set piece, but his effort was always rising high and wide.
SUB! Barca make their final change as Adriano replaces Bartra.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-1 PSG
So there we have it. Barca secure top spot in Group F with a 3-1 win over PSG, who qualify in second. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
