The two Paris goal scorers Angel Di Maria (l) and Julian Draxler (M) celebrate the success together. Photo: Michel Euler
(Photo: dpa)
Paris Thanks in part to a goal by the German international, the French champions won the round of 16 first leg 4-0 (2-0) and have the best chance of progressing in the second leg on March 8th.
In the duel between German goalkeepers Kevin Trapp (Paris) and Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona), Ángel di Maria scored twice for the hosts on his 29th birthday (18th/55th minute). Newcomer Draxler (40th) and top scorer Edinson Cavani (72nd) pushed the result up further.
Angel Di Maria celebrates his goal to make it 1-0 and slides across the lawn in the Paris stadium. Photo: Francois Mori
(Photo: dpa)
In a fast-paced game in the Prinzenpark, the Parisians hit the favorites hard from the start. Although the Catalans started with their world-class offensive with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, it was the hosts who provided the highlights.
Thomas Meunier (l) successfully blocks Luis Suarez from FC Barcelona. Photo: Michel Euler
(Photo: dpa)
Above all, the lively Draxler, who had moved from VfL Wolfsburg to France in January for at least 42 million euros and celebrated a brilliant European Cup debut for his new employer, was a constant source of trouble for the guest defense.
Tagus Top-Jobs
Find the best jobs now and
be notified by email.
Julian Draxler (r) celebrates his goal to make it 2-0 for Paris St. Germain. Photo: Michel Euler
(Photo: dpa)
After 17 minutes, Samuel Umtiti could only stop the German midfielder with a foul. The Argentinian di Maria, a close friend of Messi in the national team, gave ter Stegen no chance with his free kick from 18 meters. The ball slipped over the head of Suarez, who was standing in the wall.
Lionel Messi (r) is attacked by Layvin Kurzawa from Paris. Photo: Michel Euler
(Photo: dpa)
As a result, Paris left the game design to the guests, but remained dangerous on the counterattack. When Messi lost the ball in midfield, Marco Verratti served the free Draxler in the penalty area, who finished coolly with a tight shot.
Julian Draxler (r) claims the ball against Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto. Photo: Francois Mori
(Photo: dpa)
And the hosts haven’t had enough. Ten minutes after the restart, di Maria completed another lightning attack with a wonderful flick into the left corner of the goal. Again ter Stegen stretched in vain.
Parisian Edinson Cavani celebrates his goal to make it 4-0. Photo: Francois Mori
(Photo: dpa)
Cavani then completed the debacle for Barcelona. The Parisians are well on their way to taking revenge for the two quarter-final defeats against Barcelona in 2013 and 2015. For the Messi team it was the highest European Cup defeat since the 0: 4 at Bayern in the semi-finals in 2013.
UEFA match press kit
