On March 8, 2017, Barcelona faced Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in one of the most dramatic matches in UEFA Champions League history at the Camp Nou. Barcelona achieved a historic comeback, winning 6-1 on the night and overturning a 4-0 deficit from the first leg to progress to the quarter-finals with a 6-5 aggregate victory.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Barcelona: 6 (Luis Suárez 3′, Layvin Kurzawa 40′ (own goal), Lionel Messi 50′ (pen.), Neymar 88′, 90+1′, Sergi Roberto 90+5′)
- Paris Saint-Germain: 1 (Edinson Cavani 62′)
- Possession:
- Barcelona dominated possession with 63%, while PSG had 37%. Barcelona’s control of the ball was crucial in maintaining pressure on PSG throughout the match, especially as they sought to overturn the first-leg deficit.
- Shots:
- Barcelona registered 16 shots, with 10 on target, reflecting their relentless attacking approach. PSG had 10 shots, with 3 on target, showing their struggle to create meaningful chances under Barcelona’s constant pressure.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Barcelona had a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 522 passes out of 613 attempts. PSG had a passing accuracy of 72%, completing 280 passes out of 388 attempts. Barcelona’s superior passing helped them control the game and break down PSG’s defense, particularly in the latter stages.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Barcelona made 18 tackles compared to PSG’s 16, reflecting their intense pressing to win back possession quickly. PSG’s defense was under immense pressure, especially in the final minutes as Barcelona pushed forward in search of the decisive goals.
- Set Pieces:
- Barcelona’s goals came from a mix of open play, set pieces, and a penalty. Luis Suárez opened the scoring early with a header after a cross. Layvin Kurzawa’s own goal doubled Barcelona’s lead after he deflected Andrés Iniesta’s backheel into the net. Lionel Messi scored the third from the penalty spot after Neymar was fouled. Neymar then scored a spectacular free-kick before adding another from close range. The final and decisive goal came from Sergi Roberto, who latched onto Neymar’s chip into the box in the dying moments.
- Individual Performances:
- Neymar was the standout player for Barcelona, scoring twice and assisting the crucial final goal. His performance in the last minutes was key to Barcelona’s incredible comeback. Lionel Messi was also instrumental, controlling the midfield and scoring the third goal from the penalty spot. For PSG, Edinson Cavani’s goal seemed to have secured their passage to the quarter-finals, but they were ultimately overwhelmed by Barcelona’s late surge.
- Tactical Overview:
- Barcelona employed a 3-4-3 formation under Luis Enrique, focusing on overwhelming PSG with constant pressure and high-intensity attacks. PSG, under Unai Emery, set up in a 4-3-3 formation, initially aiming to absorb pressure and counter-attack. However, as the match progressed and Barcelona increased their intensity, PSG struggled to maintain their defensive structure.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, all for PSG (Julian Draxler 11′, Marco Verratti 64′, Edinson Cavani 66′). These fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up Barcelona’s rhythm and stopping their attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Barcelona won 7 corners compared to PSG’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure throughout the match. Barcelona were caught offside 5 times, while PSG had 2 offside calls, indicating Barcelona’s aggressive forward play and PSG’s attempts to break quickly when they had the ball.
Summary
Barcelona’s 6-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in football history. After losing the first leg 4-0 in Paris, Barcelona needed to produce a near-miracle to advance, and they delivered in stunning fashion.
Luis Suárez’s early goal set the tone, and Layvin Kurzawa’s own goal before halftime gave Barcelona hope. Lionel Messi’s penalty early in the second half made it 3-0, but Edinson Cavani’s goal for PSG seemed to have ended Barcelona’s hopes, as it left them needing three more goals to go through.
However, Neymar inspired a dramatic late comeback with two goals in the final minutes—one a superb free-kick and the other a penalty—before setting up Sergi Roberto for the decisive sixth goal deep into stoppage time. The final whistle confirmed Barcelona’s 6-5 aggregate victory, sending the Camp Nou into euphoria.
This match is remembered not only for the incredible scoreline but also for the intensity, drama, and the sheer belief shown by Barcelona. It was a night that redefined the possibilities of comebacks in football and remains a benchmark for miraculous turnarounds in the sport.
