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Kylian Mbappe ran riot as Barcelona crumbled within the Champions League as soon as once more as they have been hammered 4-1 by Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on Tuesday within the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot, however that was pretty much as good because it acquired for Ronald Koeman’s aspect as Mbappe took over to evoke recollections of current defeats to Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Roma.
The French striker equalised earlier than the break after which gave PSG the lead within the sixty fifth minute. Moise Kean headed within the third for Mauricio Pochettino’s aspect earlier than Mbappe accomplished his hat trick on the break late on.
Positives
Gerard Pique is again from damage sooner than anticipated. Lower than three months after damaging knee ligaments, he began towards PSG. It did not make a lot distinction, however having him obtainable once more must be good in the long run.
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Negatives
It must be constructive that Barca have the second leg to show the tie round, however within the wake of this defeat that does not really feel very possible. Issues may get ugly in the event that they depart areas in search of a method again into the sport.
PSG took full benefit of the house afforded to them at Camp Nou and, despite the fact that Barca have been on run domestically in successful seven league video games in a row, this was a actuality examine. There was a lingering doubt that they hadn’t but crushed anybody of observe and, as soon as once more, developing towards a greater aspect they have been simply crushed. It is again to the drafting board for Koeman’s aspect, who appeared slower and weaker than their opposition.
In the long run, one other humiliating Champions League exit may very well be the ultimate straw for Messi, who’s out of contract on the finish of the season and more likely to depart if he does not imagine Barca can compete on the high stage anymore.
Supervisor score out of 10
4 — Koeman’s resolution to throw Pique straight again into the aspect was one in every of a coach who trusts people above his system. And as his system was being taken aside within the early levels of the second half, he did nothing to rectify it, watching Mbappe get the higher of Sergino Dest repeatedly.
Participant rankings (1-10; 10 = finest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes get no score)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 7 — Appeared uncharacteristically nervous on the ball, however made nice saves from Mbappe, Kean and Layvin Kurzawa to maintain the rating down.
DF Sergino Dest, 4 — Struggled with the power and tempo of Mbappe all evening to the purpose that Koeman changed him with Oscar Mingueza within the second half.
DF Gerard Pique, 5 — Lasted 78 minutes on a shock early return from knee ligament injury and was vocal on the again, barking directions. Nonetheless, he was barely off the tempo and the picture of him diving to drag again Mbappe summed up the match.
DF Clement Lenglet, 5 — Did not do something particularly improper, however that in itself is worrying. Merely wasn’t ok to cope with Mbappe up shut and was oblivious to the unmarked Kean behind him for the third purpose.
DF Jordi Alba, 5 — Struggled with the risk posed by Kean on the correct and wasn’t in a position to have an impact in assault.
MF Sergio Busquets, 5 — Had his good moments, however left an excessive amount of house in entrance of the again 4 and gave the ball away too usually excessive up the pitch, leaving Barca uncovered.
MF Frenkie de Jong, 6 — The Netherlands midfielder has been in good type and he acquired ahead to win the penalty, however he wasn’t in a position to affect the sport like Marco Verratti did for PSG.
MF Pedri, 6 — Concerned in some good moments, feeding one nice move to arrange a Antoine Griezmann likelihood, but additionally caught on the ball too usually. Managed to make up for one ball loss with a goal-line clearance.
FW Ousmane Dembele, 5 — Missed an important likelihood to make it 2-0 minutes after Messi’s penalties and switched off in his defensive duties, permitting Kurzawa to create the PSG equaliser after which, minutes later, leaving the identical participant unmarked for a free shot on purpose.
FW Lionel Messi, 6 — As exhausting as he tried, he could not take management of the sport as he would have preferred. Took his penalty properly and created a few possibilities for his teammates, however was denied house within the ultimate third by PSG’s spectacular recreation plan.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 6 — Missed some good possibilities, though none have been simple. Was denied by Keylor Navas early within the recreation and shot huge on the break after carrying the ball 40 yards. Virtually caught Navas out late within the recreation when blocking a move from the goalkeeper, solely to see the ball drop agonisingly huge.
Substitutions
DF Oscar Mingueza, 6 — Changed Dest with the purpose of stopping Mbappe, which is probably an inconceivable activity.
MF Riqui Puig, NR — Thrown on when Barca have been already on the ropes.
MF Miralem Pjanic, NR — Labored exhausting in his quick cameo however, as with Puig, his time got here too late.
FW Francisco Trinaco, NR — Made one actually spectacular surging run ahead, nevertheless it got here to nothing.
FW Martin Braithwaite, NR — Had a few half-chances late on, however PSG defended his presence within the field properly.
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