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Barcelona were defeated by a Kylian Mbappé-inspired Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Marc-André ter Stegen:
It prevented the team from suffering an even more embarrassing defeat. He made two unusual mistakes while clearing the ball, but was able to do little with either goal.
Sergiño Dest:
Second best for Kylian Mbappé at all times. The Paris Saint-Germain forward toasted to the side; he had too much room and Dest never seemed able to stop him. The American continues to show some rather worrying deficiencies in his game. Replaces Óscar Mingueza.
Gerard Piqué:
The defender made a superhuman effort to even be on the field. His return seemed to give the team a boost, but he only had enough in the tank not to last much longer than 45 minutes. He was an intense presence on the field, showing his commitment and leadership as he yelled orders and organized those around him, but clearly he had started running empty in the second half and was starting to struggle with his defensive duties. However, the effort he made to get back into action and contribute his grain of sand to the team, although it did not pay off, deserves applause.
Clemente Lenglet:
Foul by Moise Kean’s goal. It allowed Kean to escape his attentions too easily, leaving the Italian in space to send a free header past Ter Stegen and into the net.
Jordi Alba:
Kean’s pace and power meant Alba was too busy keeping the PSG man in check to think of forays forward down the left wing. Overwhelmed by the attack from the visitors, there was no trace of his connection to Lionel Messi.
Sergio Busquets:
The toll that the passing of the years has taken on Busquets is becoming increasingly evident in the most demanding situations. It was invaded by Marco Verratti. Overwhelmed and lacking in ideas, his game was reduced to insignificant and predictable contributions.
Frenkie de Jong:
He won the Barça penalty after a light touch from Layvin Kurzawa. That was the best moment of the Dutchman’s game. He never seemed to know what he was supposed to be doing.
Pedri:
He is 18 years old and games like this will help him grow as a player. A disappointing performance by the midfielder, who struggled to make his presence felt and failed to successfully connect with those around him.
Ousmane Dembélé:
The Frenchman made a very erratic display that simply served to cause confusion among his teammates. He was also relaxed in his defensive duties, leaving Kurzawa with so much room to gallop down the left wing. He should learn from his compatriot Mbappé; now this is how talent is put to good use.
Antoine Griezmann:
Griezmann had very little impact; As has been the case since he joined Barça, he usually disappears in big games. He puts a change, sure; but they brought him to the club to be more than just a workhorse. He was about to score a strange goal when Keylor Navas’ poor clearance bounced off him and flew wide.
Lionel Messi:
After tonight, the owners of PSG will think twice when someone advises them to trade Mbappé for Messi. The Argentine made a performance in line with Barça’s great nights in the Champions League: unable to leave a mark, not in his game and an increasingly helpless look on his face. Hopefully this is not Messi’s European farewell for Barça; what a sad way out that would be. He scored a penalty and did little else.
Óscar Mingueza substitutions:
He proved he’s a better option than Dest on the right back right now.
Francisco Trincao:
He served a slaloming run through PSG defense, but it came to nothing.
Riqui Puig:
As always, the youth product came out clearly eager to impress.
Miralemn Pjanic:
He brought some courage and presence to midfield, but it was too little, too late.
Martin Braithwaite:
It almost marks the center of Dembélé. He did more than Griezmann in attack in the short time he was on the pitch.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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