SUPERSUB IN CHRIS OF LIFE
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 2 BARCELONA 3 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, QUARTER-FINAL, 1ST LEG
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN proved his worth after coming off the subs’ bench in the Champions League once again.
The Dane replaced Thiago Silva after just 39 minutes of Chelsea’s Euro final victory over Manchester City in 2021.
And the 28-year-old was a winner again in Paris last night.
The Barcelona defender scored with his first touch to give the La Liga side the advantage heading into the second leg next week.
In a topsy-turvy clash, Paris Saint-germain looked in control after Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha (inset) both fired home at the start of the second half to turn the tie around following Raphinha’s strike.
But the former Leeds winger bagged his second of the night, before Christensen nodded home from a corner to give Barca the upper hand in their quest for a sixth
Champions League crown. The Catalan giants have not lifted the trophy since 2015 but showed they have still got what it takes to compete with – and beat – Europe’s best.
Pedri’s assist for Raphinha’s second was reminiscent of Xavi – who now manages Barca – with the finish just as exquisite.
Xavi is leaving at the end of the season and will be eager for his Barcelona side to reach the club’s first Champions League semifinal in five years.
The Parisians have never won the Champions League despite splashing the cash in recent seasons.
Star man Kylian Mbappe had a quiet night in the French capital ahead of his probable summer transfer to Real Madrid.
And the forward will head to Real’s El Clasico rivals next week needing to show Spanish fans exactly what he could be bringing to La Liga.