Luis Suarez scored twice as Barcelona beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
Neymar opened the scoring for the visitors after 18 minutes, before a second-half double from Suarez left the Spanish side 3-0 ahead 10 minutes from time.
PSG had one back late on, however, when Jeremy Mathieu deflected a Gregory van der Wiel strike past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action in Paris.
Match statistics
PSG
Shots: 9
On target: 5
Possession: 38%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 10
BARCELONA
Shots: 11
On target: 6
Possession: 62%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
In truth, there is no doubt that Barcelona deserved to win in Paris, but the home side might feel that a 3-1 scoreline is a shade harsh. The first real opportunity of the game came for PSG, but Javier Pastore could not make use of a super cross from Blaise Matuidi. Barcelona grew into the half, however, and hit the post through Lionel Messi, before Neymar made it 1-0 after 18 minutes. PSG improved in the latter stages of the first period and indeed into the second half, but they missed good opportunities at crucial stages of the game, with Pastore and Adrien Rabiot both denied by Ter Stegen.
Barcelona's quality showed in the final 20 minutes or so, however, with Suarez adding his first after 67 minutes, before scoring a second 12 minutes later. Poor PSG defending contributed to both of the Uruguay international's goals, with David Luiz not exactly covering himself in glory. At 3-0, the tie was dead and buried, but PSG have a glimmer of hope following that late strike from Van der Wiel. Edinson Cavani had a wonderful chance to make it 3-2 late on when he found space inside the box, but Mathieu was across to make a stunning challenge. In truth, it will be a massive ask for PSG in the return match.
PSG's performance
PSG did not exactly enter the game in the best shape, with leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and key midfielder Marco Verratti both suspended, while Thiago Motta missed out through injury. Thiago Silva did start, but the Brazilian only lasted 21 minutes as he was replaced by Luiz, who was also struggling with a hamstring problem. As mentioned, however, the home side could and probably should have taken the lead after eight minutes when Pastore found space inside the box, but the Argentine could not make contact. Barcelona's influence was growing, however, and they capitalised on some slack play from Rabiot to take the lead. It was a real blow at that stage, but the French champions remained a threat on the counter-attack.
Cavani, who led the line in Ibrahimovic's absence, took up a number of good positions, but the striker's touch was too heavy on a number of occasions and he really struggled. Matuidi continued to drive his team forward from the middle of the park, but ultimately poor defending cost them all three goals. The first was more of a team error, but Luiz will have to take some of the blame for the second and indeed third. PSG were actually in the game for long spells, especially either side of the interval, but they could not take their chances and were ultimately made to pay. PSG entered the game off the back of a 33-game unbeaten run at home in Europe, but they had no answer to their Spanish opponents this evening. They will have key players back for the second leg, but it looks a near impossible task, especially against this Barca side.
Barcelona's performance
Unlike PSG, Barcelona had almost a full complement of players, with the suspended Dani Alves their only major absentee. The big decision for Luis Enrique came at the back and the Spaniard recalled Javier Mascherano, dropping Mathieu to the bench. Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta made up the midfield and in truth, it was a battle they won all evening. There were a couple of moments when their defence looked shaky under pressure, but there was not really a period of the game when the Catalan outfit looked in danger of losing control. The first goal was always going to be important and it was worked excellently, with Messi feeding Neymar, who made no mistake with a cool finish into the bottom corner.
Suarez must take all the credit for the second and third goals, however, with the striker showing wonderful tenacity to score his first, before showing his finishing ability with the second. Neymar and Messi remained a threat in the final third and their presence certainly stopped PSG committing more players in the final third. It was just about the perfect away performance for long spells, but they will be disappointed with conceding late on, which has just opened the door for PSG. Statistics rarely paint a false picture in football and the fact that Barcelona dominated all of the major areas is an indication of what occurred. Enrique's side are very much on for a treble this season, which would make up for a disappointing 2013-14 campaign.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Luis Suarez: In truth, this is not a difficult decision. The striker has been criticised for a perceived lack of goals since arriving at Camp Nou, but he has come to the forefront in the biggest games this season. The Uruguay international was a constant threat throughout the game, but his two goals late on were both exceptional. It was a real number nine performance from the 28-year-old.
Biggest gaffe
Luiz has managed to somewhat rebuild his damaged reputation this season, but the PSG centre-back did not have a game to remember here. He was clearly not fully fit, but was pressed into action when Silva went off injured in the first half. He settled quite well, but the Brazilian was torn apart late on and was at fault for both of Suarez's goals. The striker's first effort stemmed from poor defending, but Luiz was beaten far too easily for the second. It was poor from a defender at this level of football.
Referee performance
In truth, it was not a particularly difficult game for Mark Clattenburg. The English official issued just three yellow cards in Paris and was always in control of the incidents that threatened to develop. He allowed the game to flow in all the correct areas and was hardly seen, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
PSG: Blanc's side will travel to Nice in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Barcelona: Barca return to La Liga action at home to Valencia on Saturday.
Matt Law
