On February 14, 2017, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Parc des Princes. PSG delivered a stunning performance, securing a 4-0 victory over the Catalan giants and putting themselves in a commanding position ahead of the second leg.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Paris Saint-Germain: 4 (Ángel Di María 18′, 55′, Julian Draxler 40′, Edinson Cavani 72′)
- Barcelona: 0
- Possession:
- Barcelona had 60% possession, while PSG had 40%. Despite Barcelona’s dominance in possession, PSG’s tactical discipline and sharp counter-attacks were the key to their emphatic victory.
- Shots:
- Paris Saint-Germain registered 16 shots, with 10 on target, showcasing their clinical finishing and effectiveness in attack. Barcelona had 7 shots, with only 1 on target, reflecting their struggle to break down PSG’s well-organized defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Barcelona had a high passing accuracy of 88%, completing 609 passes out of 694 attempts. PSG’s passing accuracy was slightly lower at 83%, completing 364 passes out of 440 attempts. PSG’s direct and incisive play contrasted with Barcelona’s slower build-up, which struggled to create clear chances.
- Defensive Statistics:
- PSG made 20 tackles compared to Barcelona’s 12, highlighting their aggressive pressing and determination to win back possession. PSG’s defense, marshaled by Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, was solid throughout, limiting Barcelona’s typically potent attack.
- Set Pieces:
- PSG’s goals came from a mix of open play and set pieces. Ángel Di María opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box. Julian Draxler doubled the lead after being set up by Marco Verratti, finishing low into the corner. Di María added a third with a curling shot from outside the box, and Edinson Cavani completed the rout with a powerful strike after a pass from Thomas Meunier. Barcelona rarely threatened from set pieces, with PSG’s defense clearing most of their attempts.
- Individual Performances:
- Ángel Di María was the standout player for PSG, scoring two brilliant goals and dictating much of PSG’s attacking play. Julian Draxler and Edinson Cavani were also crucial, each adding a goal and contributing to the relentless pressure on Barcelona’s defense. For Barcelona, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were kept quiet, struggling to make an impact against a disciplined PSG defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- PSG employed a 4-3-3 formation under Unai Emery, focusing on high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting spaces behind Barcelona’s high defensive line. Barcelona, under Luis Enrique, also used a 4-3-3 formation but struggled to cope with PSG’s intensity and pressing, leading to a disjointed performance where their midfield was often bypassed.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for PSG (Adrien Rabiot 31′, Marco Verratti 44′). These fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up Barcelona’s play and preventing their midfield from gaining momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Barcelona won 4 corners compared to PSG’s 3, but they were unable to capitalize on these set-piece opportunities. Barcelona were caught offside twice, while PSG had one offside call, reflecting Barcelona’s attempts to break through PSG’s tight defensive line.
Summary
Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Parc des Princes was a stunning result that sent shockwaves through the football world. PSG, playing with intensity, precision, and tactical discipline, dominated a Barcelona side that was widely expected to progress comfortably.
Ángel Di María’s early free-kick set the tone for the match, with PSG relentlessly pressing and countering to great effect. Julian Draxler and Edinson Cavani added further goals, while Barcelona struggled to create any meaningful chances and were left chasing shadows for much of the game.
This match was a tactical masterclass from Unai Emery’s side, who executed their game plan to perfection, exposing Barcelona’s defensive frailties and nullifying their attacking threats. The result was seen as a potential turning point for PSG, who had struggled to assert themselves in the Champions League in previous years.
However, despite the dominant performance, the result also set the stage for one of the most famous comebacks in football history in the second leg at the Camp Nou, where Barcelona overturned the deficit in dramatic fashion. But on this night, PSG’s 4-0 victory was celebrated as one of the greatest performances in the club’s history.
