Lineups: PSG XI: Sirigu; Jallet, Alex, Thiago Silva, Maxwell; Lucas, Beckham, Matuidi, Pastore; Lavezzi, Ibrahimovic.
On Tuesday, April 2nd, the Parc Des Princes was the venue for a highly anticipated quarter final first leg between Paris Saint Germain and FC Barcelona. Of course Barcelona went into the match as favourites, but PSG were going to go out and prove their critics wrong. Carlo Ancelotti has decided to pick David Beckham to start over Marco Verratti, most likey due to experience in big matches.
The match had kicked off and Barca were doing the usual, keeping possession, just passing the ball around. PSG were just taking in the pressure sitting back, then exploding on the counter attack on the wings with Lucas Moura and Lavezzi. Barcelona were in control for the first ten minutes, but then Lavezzi had hit the post and PSG got more into the game and take over, they were not letting Barca do anything and it was working. Barca didn't really look a threat, but in the 38th minute Barcelona had a corner that was cleared to Dani Alves who then played a wonder pass with the outside of his boot to Lionel Messi who strook it first time across Salvatore Sirigu's net. Barcelona went into the half time interval with a 1-0 advantage.
Lionel Messi picked up an injury in his hamstring and was subbed off for Cesc Fabregas. In the first half Gerard Pique had picked up a yellow card.
The first 15 minutes of the first half were Barca keeping the ball and just moving it around, had a few decent attempts but couldn't double their lead. Jordi Alba, Matuidi, Beckham and Mascherano had booked up yellow cards in the time span of 13 minutes, it was a very aggressive match and PSG started pushing forward creating more chances. They looked like they were going to equalize, and in the 79th minute David Beckham sent in a free kick to Thiago Silva who's header went off the post and the ball bounced to Zlatan Ibrahimovic who then tapped it in. Very controversial as he was in an offside postion when the free kick came in. PSG were then pushing for a winner in the last 10 minutes, Dani Alves also picking up a yellow card. As the last 3 minutes came, Barca were then the team looking for the winner and in the 89th minute, Tello sent a nice pass through to Alexis Sanchez who tried to round Sirigu and was tripped up. Barcelona were awarded a penalty and Sirigu was booked. Xavi converted the penalty and Barca were leading 2-1 with 5 minutes of extra time left. They were looking good to win, with 2 away goals to bring back to the Camp Nou, but with 20 seconds left, Matuidi's shot deflected off the Barcelona defender and went by Valdes! 2-2! By the time Barca could do the kick off after the goal, the referee blew the whistle.
The game in Paris ended 2-2, both teams could be pretty content with the result as it seemed fair, but Barca will be frustrated by having Mascherano and Messi out injured for the second leg. Matuidi is suspended for the second leg at the Camp Nou. PSG will have to come out to attack next Wednesday in Spain as they need to win, but Barcelona have the upper hand on away goals and they are playing at home. Ancelotti has a week to figure out how to beat the worlds best team, so get ready because its going to be a great game!
More Info: [Soccer Live] Nublense - Universidad Catolica - Chilean Primera División
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