Brave Barcelona fall to PSG but gain valuable Champions League wisdom
Barcelona's perfect start to the season has come to an end at the hands of PSG, but hopefully the experience wasn't for naught. The Parisians reminded the world that they are two-time defending European champions for a reason.
They have one of the best coaches in the world, they have the deepest roster in the world, and in the end, the Champions League is really the only competition that they have to take seriously. Barcelona may have Hansi Flick, but in Paris they looked tired, even if they fought through the fatigue honorably, and there was a noticeable drop in quality from their backups.
Coming into the match, the big concern was the defensive line. In the end, Gerard Martín was able to play, and alongside Pau Cubarsí, João Cancelo, and Xavi Espart, the back four stood tall and did what was asked of them.
In the first half at least, it was the front four who struggled to make an impact. Anthony Gordon had perhaps his worst game in Barca colors, Raphinha was barely involved, and Lamine Yamal's turnover handed PSG the opening goal.
Still, Barcelona showed maturity and kept fighting until the momentum finally shifted. Ironically, the breakthrough moment came from their most inexperienced player.
Xavi Espart is simply not afraid of anything. He plays like he belongs in the Barcelona starting lineup, whether it's calmly scoring a big goal, or bodying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of the toughest players in Europe.
Other than young Xavi, the other Barcelona player to have an all around influential game was Pedri. Here's the thing though, we are starting to learn that Flick really is dependent on certain players.
At the moment, there is a noticeable drop in quality in the double pivot when either Pedri or Rodri aren't there. Although it may sound harsh, I don't think Marc Bernal is ready for these high pressure games.
When Frenkie de Jong makes his return, it will be hard for him to see game time. Personally, I couldn't understand why Gavi didn't get the start.