“VAR Cheated on Us today, How was he not rewarded a Yellow card on that?- Barcelona Manager Hansi Flick disappointed with the referee after not awarding A yellow card to Nuno Mendes after a Rough tackle on Lamine Yamal
Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League was a testament to the team’s strength and resilience. A key factor in their success was the impressive performance of left back Nuno Mendes, who was praised by teammate Achraf Hakimi before the match as the “best left back in the world right now.”
Mendes’ Masterclass
Mendes lived up to Hakimi’s praise, containing Barcelona’s star forward Lamine Yamal for most of the match. Despite Yamal’s promising start, which included a dazzling run early in the game, Mendes’ defensive skills and tactical awareness limited the young forward’s impact. Mendes’ contribution to the match went beyond just defense, as his home run down the left side setting up Senny Mayulu’s 38th-minute equalizer for PSG after Ferran Torres had put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute.
PSG’s Dominance
PSG’s dominance in the second half was evident, and they ultimately secured the win with Gonçalo Ramos’ 90th-minute goal. This victory marked the first time a team has won three straight road games against Barcelona in major European competitions. The win was a testament to PSG’s strength and depth, as well as the tactical acumen of coach Luis Enrique.
Yamal’s Injury and Return
The 18-year-old Yamal made his first start for Barcelona since August after recovering from a pubic-area injury sustained while playing with Spain’s national team during the international break in September. Despite his injury layoff, Yamal showed flashes of brilliance, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the strong defensive display from Mendes and the rest of the PSG team.
Post-Match Reaction
PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of their DNA and attitude. “I’m very pleased to see the younger players thriving in this match; learning, playing well, impressing our fans,” Enrique said. “We consistently play rivals of a really high level. The most important thing for me is our DNA, our attitude — as a squad and as a club — and that’s what we saw today.” The win was a confidence booster for PSG, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
