Soccer Champions League

UCL: 5 Things We Learned From Barcelona vs. Paris S.G.

By Yoshiki Matsunaga on September 30, 2014

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5 Things We Learned From Barcelona vs. Paris S.G.

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Barcelona visited the Parc des Princes for their second game in the UEFA Champions League. The Parisian’s beat the Catalan’s 3-2 in a tough encounter. Here is a list of five things the match revealed about the two sides.

5. PSG without Ibra

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Paris Saint-Germain FC v Olympique Lyonnais - Ligue 1

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5. PSG without Ibra

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Barcelona’s defense was absolutely dreadful. The Catalan defenders missed their defensive assignments and left PSG players unmarked. If the great Zlatan was fit, the giant Swede would have had an absolute field day.

4. Cavani not lethal enough

Edinson Cavani, Andres Iniesta: FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-BARCELONA

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4. Cavani not lethal enough

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PSG’s Edinson Cavani was given the nob to play as the central tip of the attacking trident. The Uruguayan could not penetrate the defense and failed to make an impact in the absence of Ibrahimovic.

3. Alba cannot handle pace

Sergio busquet, Lucas Moura: FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-BARCELONA

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3. Alba cannot handle pace

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The Barcelona left-back was constantly exposed by Lucas all game long. Alba and Barca were unable to cope with Lucas’ run forward.

2. Barca’s clean sheet record broken

Blaise Matuidi: FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-BARCELONA

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2. Barca’s clean sheet record broken

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Paris Saint Germain became the first team to break Barcelona’s clean sheet record, with David Luiz, Marco Veratti and Blaise Matuidi all beating Marc ter Stegen. However, Barca got two from Messi and Neymar.

1. Barca fragile against top sides?

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1. Barca fragile against top sides?

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This was Barcelona’s first real test of the season. The Catalonian club were unable to dominate their opponent. Paris Saint Germain proved a stern test for Luis Enrique and company and buckled under the challenge. Barcelona looked like a completely beatable team.