Barcelona only have themselves to blame for PSG humiliation

Barcelona found themselves in a commanding position leading up to the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. However, they ultimately succumbed to their own mistakes, leading to their elimination from Europe at this crucial stage.

Ahead of the match, Barcelona's coach Xavi had promised a fiercely competitive encounter, likening it to a "footballing war." However, unforeseen errors from Barcelona's own players, notably Ronald Araujo and Joao Cancelo, coupled with clinical finishing from Kylian Mbappe, contributed to their downfall.

The turning point came with Araujo's pivotal mistake, which significantly altered the course of Barcelona's European campaign. Araujo's rash challenge on Bradley Barcola resulted in a red card just before the half-hour mark, leaving Barcelona with a numerical disadvantage and ultimately paving the way for their defeat.

As expected, Paris Saint-Germain capitalized on the situation, intensifying their pressure on Barcelona, especially as Luis Enrique adjusted his team's tactics to encourage more attacking play. The turning point came when Ousmane Dembele seized an opportunity, expertly finishing off a well-coordinated build-up with a powerful shot into the top corner of the net.

The momentum continued to favor the visitors after halftime, with Vitinha equalizing the tie with a precise strike from outside the box. Kylian Mbappe then further tilted the scales in PSG's favor by converting a penalty, amidst the chaos of Xavi's expulsion from the sidelines.

Mbappe added another goal late in the game, capitalizing on yet another defensive error from Barcelona, this time a misjudged clearance by Jules Kounde, to slot home from close range.
Ultimately, Xavi's promise of a "footballing war" ended in defeat, as PSG's players celebrated their victory and put to rest memories of Barcelona's historic comeback. Barcelona, on the other hand, were left to reflect on their errors and ponder what could have been if they had maintained their composure throughout the match.

The biggest winners & losers from the Olympic Stadium as PSG humbles Barcelona

Winner: Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe's tenure at PSG may be nearing its end, but his commitment to delivering European success to the club has remained steadfast. Despite several disappointments in previous seasons, this campaign, his final one at Parc des Princes, presents a promising opportunity to finally achieve that elusive glory.

While Mbappe's performance in the first leg was lackluster, he faced similar challenges in the second leg, being effectively marked by Kounde and Cubarsi for much of the match. Nonetheless, Mbappe rose to the occasion when it mattered most. His conversion of a crucial penalty swung the tie in PSG's favor, and his clinical finish from close range ultimately sealed the victory.

With Borussia Dortmund awaiting PSG in the semi-finals, Mbappe finds himself in a favorable position to progress further in the competition. A potential appearance in the final at Wembley on June 1 beckons, presenting Mbappe with the opportunity for a perfect farewell gift. While the eventual opponent in the final will be formidable, Mbappe's dreams of a triumphant exit from PSG are now within reach.

Loser: Ronald Araujo

Ronald Araujo, once hailed as one of Europe's top defenders following his stellar performances last season, has experienced a decline in form and fortunes this campaign. Injuries and inconsistent displays have plagued his season, culminating in a costly error during Tuesday's crucial match.

Araujo's decision to challenge Barcola as he advanced towards goal proved to be disastrous, resulting in a clear foul just outside the box. Despite Araujo's protests, arguing that his fellow defender Cubarsi could have intercepted the PSG winger, his objections were rightfully disregarded.

This pivotal moment shifted the momentum of the entire tie, forcing Barcelona to adopt a defensive stance and allowing PSG to unleash their potent attacking prowess. As PSG capitalized on the opportunity and secured victory, Araujo's lapse in judgment now leaves Barcelona facing the prospect of ending the season without silverware, with their La Liga title hopes fading away.

Winner: Ousmane Dembele

Before the match kicked off, Ousmane Dembele faced a hostile reception from Barcelona fans, with videos circulating on social media showing supporters burning his shirts and hurling insults. Inside the stadium, the jeers intensified every time the former Barcelona winger touched the ball.

Despite facing adversity, Dembele remained composed and focused on making an impact on the game. While he initially struggled with a few mistakes, he quickly turned the tables by scoring Paris Saint-Germain's first goal of the night, marking the beginning of their remarkable comeback. Additionally, Dembele played a key role in winning the penalty that secured PSG's third goal.

Throughout his time at Camp Nou, Dembele endured criticism from fans, the club, and the media, often being singled out as a scapegoat. His performance on this occasion could be seen as a form of poetic justice, as he delivered a stellar performance against his former club, showcasing his resilience and determination to succeed.

Loser: Joao Cancelo

Another disappointing display from a Barcelona defender, as Joao Cancelo's loan stint has been a mixed bag, characterized by occasional moments of brilliance in attack but also vulnerability in defense. However, on Tuesday, he faltered in his defensive duties, committing a reckless sliding challenge on Dembele that handed Paris Saint-Germain a golden opportunity to take the lead in the tie.

Mbappe duly converted from the spot, leaving Cancelo to rue his costly mistake in a match that saw Barcelona suffer a significant collapse.

As Alejandro Balde is poised to return from injury next season, doubts may arise regarding the wisdom of making Cancelo's loan from Manchester City a permanent arrangement. His performance in this crucial match certainly raises questions about his suitability for a long-term role at Barcelona.

Winner: Luis Enrique

Is this vindication for Luis Enrique? Last summer, he orchestrated a significant overhaul of the PSG squad, bringing in numerous new players while offloading some high-profile veterans. Despite facing criticism, particularly for his handling of Mbappe, Enrique's methods were validated in this match. The team performed in line with his vision, playing with a direct and dynamic style that showcased their attacking prowess.

Enrique's decisions, which were scrutinized in the first leg, proved to be inspired. Opting to start Bradley Barcola over the more experienced Marco Asensio paid off, as the young talent's run led to Araujo's red card, a pivotal moment in the tie.

While PSG benefited from the numerical advantage, their dominance in the game for the majority of the match was undeniable. While the "La Remontada" will always hold a special place in PSG's history, this comeback was also noteworthy. What remains indisputable is that Luis Enrique emerged victorious once again, asserting his influence on both occasions.

Loser: Xavi

Barcelona has shown improvement since Xavi announced his intention to leave in January, appearing more composed under the knowledge of their coach's impending departure. Xavi's demeanor on the sidelines has also reflected this, with a more relaxed and liberated presence.

However, in this particular match, Xavi's behavior was uncharacteristic. Despite his team's erratic performance, Xavi set a poor example by kicking out at a camera stand in protest at a refereeing decision early in the second half, leading to his dismissal from the sidelines.

Despite Barcelona's efforts, it appears that Xavi's tenure as coach will end on a subdued note. While a run to the Champions League final could have potentially altered his decision, with their exit from the quarter-finals confirmed and their chances of league glory slim, Xavi's farewell appears destined to be a low-key affair.