Tuesday's Champions League Group F clash in Paris pitted Paris Saint-Germain against Barcelona.
David Luiz handed the home side the lead after 10 minutes, but Lionel Messi equalised for Barcelona less than a minute later.
PSG took a 2-1 lead into the interval, however, following a header from Marco Verratti.
The French side had their third after 54 minutes through Blaise Matuidi, but Neymar cut the score to 3-2 moments later.
Barcelona turned the screw in the latter stages, but could not find an equaliser as PSG won the entertaining affair.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's Champions League Group F coverage continues from Paris as Paris Saint-Germain welcome Barcelona. As it stands, PSG sit second in the group on one point, while Barcelona are the early leaders after beating APOEL last time out. It promises to be a fascinating evening of football in France. The team news has just reached us so let me bring you up-to-date with developments here.
TEAMS
PSG: Sirigu; Van der Wiel, Marquinhos, Luiz, Maxwell; Motta, Matuidi, Verratti; Pastore, Cavani, Lucas
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Mascherano, Mathieu, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Neymar
So there we have it. Of course, there is no Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the PSG XI this evening, with the Swedish striker out of action with a heel injury. Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva is also unavailable, leaving Marquinhos to start alongside David Luiz. There are also spots in the team for Javier Pastore and Lucas, with Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani due to lead the line for the French outfit.
For Barcelona, both Gerard Pique and Xavi are left on the bench this evening, with Jeremy Mathieu starting at centre-back alongside Javier Mascherano. Pedro also returns to the team in place of Munir El Haddadi, who drops to the bench alongside fellow youngster Sandro Ramirez. Neymar and Lionel Messi also both start for the Spanish outfit this evening.
#PSGFCB Alineaciónconfirmada#VineFCB https://t.co/apSMH1eYEi — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) September 30, 2014
PSG and Barcelona met in the quarter-finals of the 2012-13 competition, when the French side gave Barca a big scare. A 2-2 draw in the first leg in Paris set things up nicely for the return at the Camp Nou, but Barcelona advanced on away goals after coming from behind to draw 1-1. Much has changed at both clubs since then, however, with PSG now much more experienced at this level of football.
In total, the two sides have met on five occasions. Barcelona's only win during that run of games was a 1-0 victory in the 1996-97 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final. Meanwhile, PSG's only victory over the Spanish side was a 2-1 success in the 1994/95 Champions League quarter-finals. Will there be a winner this evening?
PSG opened this season's group campaign with a 1-1 draw against Ajax in Amsterdam. They are unbeaten in 29 European home games, however, winning 19 times in the process. That is a run which dates back to November 2006, when they were beaten 4-2 by Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the group stages of the UEFA Cup.
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The French side also won four of their five home games in the competition last season, beating Benfica, Olympiacos, Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea on their way to making the latter stages, but they were beaten by Chelsea on away goals in the quarter-finals. There is no question that the target this season is to reach at least the final four. The supporters want to see some progression in Europe.
PSG's home record against Spanish opposition is also strong, winning five of their 10 matches and losing just once in the process. Incredibly, that occurred in the second group stage of the 2000-01 competition, when Deportivo La Coruna were 3-1 winners in Paris. History suggests that PSG will be confident of avoiding defeat against Barcelona this evening. Let's just hope for an entertaining affair tonight.
However, it hasn't been the best of starts to the Ligue 1 season for PSG. The four-time French champions have taken 14 points from their eight games this season, with that total leaving them in fourth position in the table. They have drawn three of their last four games in the league 1-1, while they face fellow Champions League outfit Monaco in the league this weekend. It is an important period of the season.
Under Gerardo Martino last season, Barcelona were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid. However, that was the first time that they had failed to reach at least the semi-finals of the competition since the 2006-07 season. The four-time winners last picked up the trophy in 2011, but their vast summer spending was with the aim of returning to the top of European football once more.
In fact, the last time that Barcelona failed to reach at least the quarter-finals was in 2007, when they were eliminated in the round of 16. Their record in recent seasons has been tremendous, but Atletico and of course Bayern Munich have had the better of the Catalan side in recent knockout games.
As mentioned, Barcelona started Group F with a 1-0 win over Cypriot side APOEL last time out. It was far from convincing from the Spanish outfit, but they managed to collect all three points. Barcelona's recent home record in this competition is extremely strong – losing just one of their last 28 home matches in European football, including four wins and a draw in last's season competition.
However, Barca's recent away record in the Champions League is surprisingly poor. They have lost four and won just two of their last eight away games in this competition. In truth, three home wins and a draw on the road are usually enough to advance into the round of 16 and therefore the Catalan outfit will not be too concerned if defeat did occur this evening. That said, that will not be in their minds.
Barcelona have won three and lost two of their seven matches away to Ligue 1 sides. The last time that they won on French soil was in the first group stage of the 2001-02 competition, when they beat Lyon 3-2.
Domestically, meanwhile, it has been a sensational start to the season for Barcelona. They have won five of their six league matches, scoring 17 times in the process and failing to concede a single goal. They are just two points ahead of Valencia and Atletico Madrid, who sit second and third respectively, but already have a four-point gap over fifth-place Real Madrid. Little over 10 minutes until kickoff this evening.
On Saturday, Barcelona put six goals past Granada at the Camp Nou, with Neymar scoring three times and Messi hitting a brace. Those two have started to form a serious understanding in the final third and with Luis Suarez due to return in little under a month, there is plenty of reason for excitement around the club.
DID YOU KNOW? There is a link between the two managers this evening, with PSG boss Laurent Blanc and Barcelona's Luis Enrique playing together at the Camp Nou during the 1996-97 season – Blanc's solitary campaign with the Spanish club.
PREDICTION: I am finding it really difficult to separate the two teams this evening. The loss of Ibrahimovic is a big one for PSG, but they still have plenty of attacking talent. Barcelona on the other hand, cannot stop scoring goals at the moment. A case can be made for both teams, but I am going to sit on the fence somewhat and back a 1-1 draw, which would be a decent result for both sides.
Here we go then. Both sides have joined us on the pitch 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 the occasion!
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is quite probably the tie of the round in Paris. The away side get the first 45 minutes of this fascinating contest underway.
As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with their entire back four enjoying early touches of the ball. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital this evening. PSG are yet to have the ball in the early exchanges.
Barcelona continue to dominate the ball in the early moments with Rakitic and Alves involved down the right for the Spanish side. PSG manage to quell the threat in the middle of the park through Motta, but the pressure is straight back on from the visitors. No real surprise that Barca are dominating the ball early on here.
Half-chance for PSG as Busquets loses possession outside his own box, Lucas feeds Motta, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The atmosphere inside the stadium this evening is just wonderful.
PSG have a free kick in a wide area as Rakitic brings Maxwell to the ground with a late challenge. The resulting set piece is delivered by Lucas, but Busquets is on hand to clear. The loose ball falls to a blue shirt, but Mathieu then denies Motta. Good period of pressure from the home side.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with both sides guilty of some late challenges in the middle of the park. Rakitic in particular appears to be on his final warning. It has been a strong response from PSG after Barcelona dominated possession in the early exchanges in Paris.
BOOKING! The first booking is awarded to Alves after the Brazilian handled the ball. It brings another free kick for the home side...
GOAL! PSG 1-0 Barcelona (Luiz)
It just had to be him didn't it?! The free kick from Lucas causes all sorts of problems inside the Barcelona box, it falls for Luiz, who finishes into the bottom corner from close range.
That is the first goal that Barcelona have conceded in any competition this season. How will the Spanish side react? PSG have been very impressive in the opening 11 minutes of this contest.
GOAL! PSG 1-1 Barcelona (Messi)
Well, that didn't last long! Stunning equaliser from Messi as the Argentine combines with Iniesta before curling one into the bottom corner. That is Messi's 68th Champions League goal. Wow.
CLOSE! PSG come close to regaining the lead as Cavani turns on the edge of the Barcelona box before striking towards goal, but his effort moves high of the crossbar. What a match!
Can I take a breath now? Finally. What an opening 16 minutes to this match. The tempo is just incredible as Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals with the amount of attacking talent that is on display, and indeed two wobbly defences.
Good period of pressure for Barcelona in the last couple of minutes, with the Spanish side forcing two corners in quick succession. However, PSG repel the interest before Messi over-runs the ball inside the box. The tempo has just dropped following that crazy couple of minutes, which is not much of a surprise.
Half-chance for the away side as Pedro finds some space outside the box before floating one towards the far corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the crossbar. Not too much from the home side in the last couple of minutes, with Barcelona starting to dominate the possession once more.
Messi again tests Sirigu from inside the box, but the referee had whistled for a high foot from Mathieu, who is causing problems from corners. Moments before, Neymar had combined with Alba inside the box, but Lucas was on hand to clear inside his own area. Still 1-1 with 23 minutes on the clock in Paris.
Half-chance for PSG as Van der Wiel delivers a dangerous ball into the Barcelona box following a period of possession, but Alves manages to clear at the far post. Cavani and Lucas have both been bright for the home side in the opening 25 minutes, with the former occupying Barcelona's two centre-backs.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to take the lead as Messi flicks a superb pass into Neymar, but the Brazilian can only lift his effort over the crossbar. Stunning from Messi once more.
GOAL! PSG 2-1 Barcelona (Verratti)
The home side regain the lead with 26 minutes on the clock as Verratti finds some space at the far post from a corner before heading into the back of the net. Terrible defending from Barcelona once more!
BOOKING! Verratti is booked for a late challenge on Iniesta in the middle of the park.
Not too many goals around the rest of the Europe this evening, but Paris is full of them! Barcelona attempt to respond once again as Rakitic slides a low pass towards Neymar, but Maxwell is on hand to clear, before Iniesta fires high and wide. The opening 30 minutes of this Champions League contest have just flown past!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Rakitic finds Mascherano from a corner just inside the box, but Motta is on hand to make the block. The Argentine's effort looked to be going in.
Alba appears to have a problem for Barcelona as the left-back holds his shoulder. Adriano is on the bench for Barcelona this evening and he would be the obvious replacement should Alba leave the field.
PSG have a penalty shout as Lucas steps inside Mathieu before falling inside the box, but the referee shakes his head. Barcelona are down the other end with Iniesta moments later, but Messi cannot catch a pass from the Spaniard. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and PSG lead 2-1.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but the play is flowing from end-to-end, with both sides prepared to commit numbers in the final third.
Neymar just cannot get into the match for Barcelona at the moment as Van der Wiel continues to deny the Brazilian in the final third. PSG continue to force the issue with Lucas causing problems in a wide area, but the away side have settled into a defensive shape as the half-time whistle moves ever closer.
Off goes Luiz once more as the PSG centre-back drives past three defenders before attempting to round Alves, but the Barca right-back manages to make the challenge. Barcelona are down the other end with Messi moments later, but Sirigu manages to clear at the vital moment. Such entertainment here.
BOOKING! Matuidi is booked for PSG for bringing Messi to the ground on the edge of the box. Brilliant chance for Barcelona to work the goalkeeper from this set piece...
... Messi takes the resulting set piece, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar.
HALF-TIME: PSG 2-1 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with PSG leading Barcelona 2-1. The home side took the lead through David Luiz after 10 minutes, but Lionel Messi responded for the visitors less than one minute later. A Marco Verratti header, however, sees the home side lead at the interval.
STATS! Barcelona have had more of the ball with 60% possession, but they have hit the target with just one of their six attempts. PSG, meanwhile, have had five attempts, two of which were on target and indeed resulted in goals. There have also been three yellow cards in a feisty first half.
BENCH WATCH! PSG do not have too many attacking options on their bench this evening, but the likes of Cabaye and Bahebeck are in reserve. Barcelona, however, have plenty of options in the shape of Munir El-Haddadi, Sandro Ramirez and Xavi, who could set a Champions League appearance record this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. PSG get the second half underway in Paris.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 2-1 for the next 15 minutes or so. PSG have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the second 45 minutes.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for PSG to move further ahead as Cavani finds some space inside the Barcelona box before striking towards goal, but the forward slips at the final moment and the chance is gone. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals in this Champions League clash.
Barcelona just cannot find a way through at the moment as PSG continue to close the space in the final third of the field. Lucas, meanwhile, continues to scare the life out of the away side with his pace and movement.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, with PSG comfortable in dealing with the pressure from the visitors. PSG have been very, very good in possession of the ball this evening. The French side are playing Barcelona at their own game at the moment.
GOAL! PSG 3-1 Barcelona (Matuidi)
WOW! Psg have their third of the match as Van der Wiel combines with Lucas before delivering a sensational cross towards Matuidi, who finished from close range. PSG have daylight here!
GOAL! PSG 3-2 Barcelona (Neymar)
Oh my word. Barcelona are back in this match as Neymar finds the bottom corner with a brilliant effort from inside the box. PSG have conceded moments after opening up a two-goal lead.
This is quite a good game isn't it?! Little over 30 minutes of this contest remaining and Barcelona now have possession in the PSG half. There are more goals in this match I am sure of it.
CHANCE! Brilliant chance for PSG to score their fourth as Motta feeds Cavani inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Ter Stegen. Moments later, Pastore is denied by Ter Stegen.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Alves drives down the right before delivering into the box, but Messi just misses it under pressure from Luiz. PSG are again down the other end with Lucas moments later, but his cross is blocked by Mathieu and the danger is cleared. It is all happening here!
SUB! Barcelona make their first change as Munir replaces Pedro.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Alba finds some space down the left before delivering towards Messi, but Luiz is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Neymar looks for Alves on the opposite side moments later, but the Brazilian cannot collect. Little under 25 minutes of this Champions League contest remaining.
BOOKING! Van der Wiel goes into the book for a late challenge on Neymar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening. Xavi is preparing to enter for the away side.
SUB! Barcelona do indeed make their second change as Xavi replaces Rakitic. This is a record-setting moment for Xavi, who is making his 143rd Champions League appearance tonight.
SUB! PSG make their first change as Verratti is replaced by Cabaye.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Barcelona are enjoying more of the ball in the final third. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and Barcelona have a free kick outside the box after a poor challenge from Matuidi on Messi.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Iniesta collects a loose clearance on the edge of the box, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Moments before, there was an off-the-ball incident between Busquets and Luiz, but the referee was quickly on the scene to calm proceedings.
Brilliant chance for Pastore to break into the Barcelona box after the Argentine drives away from Alves down the left, but the attacker forgets to take the ball with him and the danger is cleared. Little over 10 minutes remaining and still the home side lead by the odd goal in five.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking action in the last few minutes, with PSG comfortable in dealing with the threat from the away side. However, you just get the feeling that there will be a couple more big chances in the final stages of this contest. It has been a brilliant European fixture.
Barcelona continue to force the issue from a wide area, with Alves delivering cross after cross, but the home side continue to repel the danger. Moments later, Munir delivers a cross into the PSG box, but Sirigu is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Time is starting to move away from Barcelona.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Alba meets a cross from Alves at the far post, but Marquinhos is across to make a stunning challenge at the vital moment.
SUB! Third and final change for Barcelona as Sandro replaces Alves.
POST! Wonderful effort from Munir as the Barcelona youngster finds some space outside the box before releasing one towards the bottom corner, but it strikes the post.
SUB! PSG make another change as Chantome replaces Pastore.
Half-chance for PSG on the counter as Lucas slides a pass into Cavani, but Mascherano just does enough to clear at the vital moment. Barcelona are still in this match, but time is seriously running out.
Another half-chance for Cavani as the striker turns Mathieu outside the box before curling one towards goal, but Ter Stegen is on hand to make the save. Can Barcelona find a late equaliser here?
SUB! PSG make their third and final change as Lucas is replaced by Bahebeck.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Sandro collects a loose ball just inside the PSG box, but his effort is wide of the post. Down the other end, Cavani is denied by Mathieu.
Again it is brilliant from Messi as the Argentine drives past two defenders before crossing into Neymar, but Luiz is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Time is running out.
FULL-TIME: PSG 3-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. What a match in Paris! PSG move top of Group F with a 3-2 win over Barcelona. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
