PSG shock Barca as Villarreal rescue late draw in Champions League drama

PSG shock Barca as Villarreal rescue late draw in Champions League drama

Paris Saint-Germain's victory at Barcelona and a last-gasp equaliser for Villarreal against Juventus were the standout moments in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Wednesday.

Both matches carried major significance, with PSG creating history at Barcelona and Villarreal extending their unbeaten home run.

PSG Strike Late to Stun Barcelona Again

Paris Saint-Germain secured a historic 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys (temporarily hosting due to Camp Nou renovations), marking the first time any team has defeated the Catalans in three successive European away matches.

This result also extended PSG's impressive run to six victories in their last seven Champions League fixtures, solidifying their status as defending champions. Ferran Torres opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 19th minute, latching onto a precise assist from Marcus Rashford after a clever interplay involving Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona dominated possession but left gaps for PSG's counter-attacks. Nuno Mendes's surging run down the left created the equalizer just before half-time, with Senny Mayulu coolly slotting home to make it 1-1.

After the break, Barcelona pushed for a second but couldn't convert, while PSG grew in confidence. Lee Kang-in struck the post, and Wojciech Szczesny made a crucial save to deny Achraf Hakimi from a set-piece.

The decisive blow came in the 90th minute when Goncalo Ramos exploited Barcelona's high line, threaded through by Hakimi, to fire past Szczesny and seal the win.

Luis Enrique hailed his team's grit post-match: "We stayed disciplined, even when Barcelona had the ball. To win here three times in a row is something special," while noting the blend of youth and experience, including standout Mayulu.

Hansi Flick reflected on Barcelona's lapses: "We had control but not enough sharpness in both boxes. At this level, that costs you," emphasizing the need for better late-game organization.

The loss snapped Barcelona's run of 12 home Champions League matches with just one defeat prior, their first conceded in the 90th minute at home in Europe.

PSG remain on track for progression, while Barcelona face a tough Inter Milan clash next week.

 

Renato Rescues Villarreal in Stoppage-Time Thriller

Renato Veiga's towering 90th-minute header from an Ilias Akhomach corner earned Villarreal a dramatic 2-2 draw against Juventus at Estadio de la Ceramica, preserving their unbeaten home streak in the Champions League at nine matches.

Georges Mikautadze marked his first Champions League goal in the 18th minute, tapping in a low cutback from Nicolas Pepe.

Villarreal nearly doubled up soon after as Alfonso Pedraza crashed a shot off the woodwork, with Weston McKennie testing keeper Arnau Tenas before the interval.

Juventus leveled early in the second half through Federico Gatti's stunning bicycle kick off a McKennie flick-on from a long throw.

Substitute Francisco Conceicao, introduced at half-time, then capitalized on a Dani Parejo error to slot home and put the visitors ahead.

Jonathan David struck the bar late for Juventus, but Veiga's intervention from the corner proved the game-winner in terms of points.

Veiga credited the home crowd afterward: "We never give up here. The supporters pushed us to the last second, and that goal belongs to them."

The draw extended Juventus's woes on the road, with just one win in their last 11 Champions League away games.

Villarreal's fortress remains intact, while Juventus look to rebound.

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