Luis Enrique’s near-flawless PSG side taught Barca a lesson they will not soon forget even as Lamine Yamal continued to produce spectacular goals in a pivotal Champions League qualifying-stage encounter.
Barcelona took too long to find their rhythm in a match that descended into a frenzy during the final 20 minutes. That was when Lamine Yamal entered the fray, but it was also when the French side unleashed a relentless and decisive series of attacks.
Led by Désiré Doué, the hosts applied a suffocating press in the first half, forcing Joan Garcia to serve as the anchor for a Barca side that, at that stage, could not yet rely on moments of brilliance from Lamine Yamal.
PSG players swarmed Pedri, making his life miserable; he was slow to react on his first two touches, and Neves managed to dispossess him on both occasions.
Following the first turnover, in the 2nd minute, Kvaratskhelia fired a right-footed shot from outside the box that struck the post. The second turnover led to a shot from Doué that was deflected by Joan Garcia who was then forced into another save, this time against a strike from Dembélé.
Just six minutes in, Barca were pinned entirely in their own half, lacking any passing game or rhythm. Pedri was forced to drop deep, while Marc Bernal appeared overwhelmed on a day when Rodri remained on the bench.
Lamine Yamal was kept under tight surveillance by Lucas Hernandez, and Raphinha found little space to showcase his abilities.