Match summary
Paris Saint-Germain staged a dramatic comeback to beat Barcelona 2-1 in a stoppage-time thriller that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. The late winner came in the 91st minute when Gonçalo Ramos converted a precise cross from Achraf Hakimi, sealing a result that underscored the unevenness of a high-stakes clash between two European giants. Earlier, 19-year-old Senny Mayulu equalised for PSG, capitalising on a moment of swiftness and skill from Nuno Mendes to slot the ball home from mid-range.
First-half and turning points
Barcelona had taken the lead early on through a fluid team move, with the buildup involving Lamine Yamal and Pedri before Ferran Torres finished. It showcased Barcelona’s intent to press high and exploit space behind a PSG back line that was missing several regular starters. As the match wore on, PSG grew into the game despite fielding a few regulars and several younger players, taking the initiative and creating chances that tested Barcelona’s defense.
PSG’s revival and Mayulu’s equaliser
PSG’s late equaliser came from a brilliant attack down the left, with Mendes initiating a long run that carved through multiple Barcelona players. His burst and vision helped release Mayulu, who calmly finished from 14–15 metres. The moment highlighted Mayulu’s poise and Palmeiras‑like composure for a teenager while underscoring Mendes’ influence on the game as a creator and dribbler with bags of pace.
What Mendes showed
Left-back Nuno Mendes stole the show with a midfield-splitting run that seemed to flip the momentum in PSG’s favor. His contribution was not just the assist but a demonstration that speed, power, and a willingness to take on Barcelona’s high line could unlock the Catalans on a night when PSG were short on some regulars. Mendes spoke afterward about using his speed to advantage and finding the right moment to deliver the ball to the forward runners.
Late drama and a refereeing moment under fire
The drama intensified after the break when Mendes, already on a yellow card, tackled Lamine Yamal just outside the box. The referee, Michel Oliver, chose not to issue a second yellow, allowing Mendes to stay on the pitch. TV 2 pundits and viewers quickly debated the decision, with some arguing it should have been a booking that changed the tactical balance in the closing minutes. The incident sparked discussion about discipline and the risk of a high defensive line against a pacey PSG forward line.
Reaction from pundits and players
TV 2’s Morten Langli called the high defensive line a major weakness, arguing it left space for PSG’s attackers to exploit in the dying minutes. After the match, Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong acknowledged their need to improve and admitted that a subpar performance on this night cannot be repeated if the team aspires to stay at the top of La Liga and shake off this setback in Europe.
Standings and implications
Barcelona’s results this season have left them at the forefront of La Liga with a strong points tally, though this defeat was a reminder that every game presents its own risks. Madrid currently edges near the top, and the Catalans will want to regroup quickly. In contrast, PSG sits atop Ligue 1 alongside Lyon on 15 points, though they had recently suffered a setback against Marseille. The win in a tight group adds momentum as the season continues, even if the squad remains hampered by injuries to several regulars.
Key moments and takeaways
In a game defined by pace, counterattacks, and moment-based decisions, PSG demonstrated resilience and an ability to seize late opportunities. Mendes’ surgical run and Ramos’ clinical finish epitomised the visitors’ decisive quality in the final moments. For Barcelona, this was a painful reminder that even with ball-dominant possession, a high line without sufficient pressure on the ball can invite a reactive, efficient opponent to strike late. The match offered a sobering lesson, but also a reminder of why both teams are considered among Europe’s elite—capable of turning a result in a single moment.
Next steps
Both clubs now turn the page to their upcoming fixtures with renewed focus. Barcelona will aim to translate domestic dominance into European consistency, while PSG will seek to consolidate their top position in Ligue 1 and push further in the Champions League with a deeper squad available for selection as injuries ease.
