Barcelona overcome PSG in a dramatic Champions League encounter
Barça take control of quarter-final with hard-fought 3-2 victory in Paris
Xavi's men show resilience after Araujo's red card and late Mbappé goal
Barcelona continued their impressive Champions League campaign with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Raphinha's early goal was quickly overshadowed by the dismissal of Ronald Araujo, leaving Barcelona with a mountain to climb. However, the visitors showed great character to fight back and take the lead through Kylian Mbappé's own goal and Lionel Messi's penalty.
Mbappé gave PSG hope with a magnificent goal in the dying minutes, but Barcelona held on to secure a vital away win and take control of the tie ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou next week.
It was a match of two halves, with Barcelona dominating the first and PSG the second. The visitors started brightly and took the lead after just 12 minutes when Raphinha curled a beautiful shot into the top corner.
However, Barcelona's joy was short-lived as Araujo was sent off for a second bookable offense in the 29th minute. The red card turned the game on its head, and PSG took advantage to score three goals in quick succession.
Mbappé equalized with a header in the 37th minute, before Neymar scored a penalty in the 40th minute and Marquinhos headed home in the 45th minute.
Barcelona looked shell-shocked at the start of the second half, but they gradually worked their way back into the game. Mbappé's own goal in the 52nd minute gave them hope, and Messi's penalty in the 70th minute leveled the tie.
PSG pushed for a late winner, but Barcelona defended resolutely and held on for a crucial away win. The victory gives them a slender advantage going into the second leg at Camp Nou next week.
Barcelona will be confident of finishing the job at home, but PSG will be no pushovers. The French champions have shown that they can score goals against the best teams in Europe, and they will be buoyed by the return of Neymar from injury.
It promises to be a fascinating second leg, and Barcelona will need to be at their best to reach the semi-finals.
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