PSG 1-1 Barcelona: 5 hits and flops as Blaugrana make earliest exit since 2007 | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

PSG are into the quarter-finals despite a poor game
PSG are into the quarter-finals despite a poor game

PSG advanced to the last eight of the 2020-21 Champions League 5-2 on aggregate after being held to a 1-1 draw by Barcelona at the Parc des Princes.

Kylian Mbappe, the hat-trick hero of the first leg, scored a penalty which was cancelled out by Lionel Messi's sensational strike. But that wasn't enough to inspire another Barcelona 'remontada' in the French capital.

PSG, absolutely rampant in their 4-1 victory at the Camp Nou last month, appeared uncharacteristically subdued at home and were largely second-best in the game.

They were lucky Barcelona couldn't make their dominance count, as Ousmane Dembele was guilty of missing several gilt-edged chances, and Lionel Messi was brilliantly denied by Keylor Navas from the spot.

Despite the tame result on the night, Mauricio Pochettino's side will be in next week's quarter-final draw, while Barcelona are left to ponder over their earliest Champions League exit in 14 years.

On that note, let's take a look at five hits and flops from the match:


Hit: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Lionel Messi scored a beautiful goal but couldn't inspire a Barcelona comeback.
Lionel Messi scored a beautiful goal but couldn't inspire a Barcelona comeback.

Not the best night for the Barcelona ace who still gets a 'hit' on this list solely because of his wonder goal.

Lionel Messi, who has produced such magical moments galore in the past, rolled back the years with an unstoppable howitzer into the far post from about 30 yards out.

The power, execution and sheer audacity to even attempt a shot like that perfectly exemplified the legend of Lionel Messi.

It's unfortunate that such a sensational performance came in a losing cause. To add insult to injury, Lionel Messi also missed from the spot, forcing the star to leave the pitch at the full-time whistle with a bitter taste.


Flop: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Mbappe became the first player to score four goals in a two-legged tie against Barcelona.
Mbappe became the first player to score four goals in a two-legged tie against Barcelona.

How much difference a month can make!

Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show in PSG's thumping Camp Nou win but looked a pale shadow of his rip-roaring self in the second leg.

Having torn Barcelona to shreds with a sensational hat-trick in the first leg, the French boy-wonder was expected to continue from where he left off.

Mbappe clinically dispatched a penalty in the 30th minute to give PSG the lead on the night. However, that was as good as it got for him on the night.

For the rest of the match, Mbappe cut a frustrating figure, missing a few good chances, which he could've converted and scored another treble.

Hit: Keylor Navas (PSG)

Keylor Navas was the hero for PSG against Barcelona.
Keylor Navas was the hero for PSG against Barcelona.

On a night when PSG's attackers flattered to deceive, their defence well and truly stepped up against Barcelona, with Keylor Navas being the star of the show.

Incredibly, the Costa Rican made nine saves in the game, including a decisive penalty to deny Messi.

Unable to do anything about the Argentine's long-range strike, Navas made amends for the same by thwarting the Barcelona ace from the spot by diving the right way.

It was a very crucial stop, as Barcelona has just pulled level on the night, and the penalty could've given the visitors a massive boost heading into the break.

Navas also frustrated Dembele by denying the Frenchman from close range several times, showing incredibly strong hands. He was PSG's 'Man of the Match', without a doubt.


Flop: Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

Ousmane Dembele was guilty of missing too many chances for Barcelona.
Ousmane Dembele was guilty of missing too many chances for Barcelona.

The Frenchman, who has had a great 2021 so far, dropped a stinker on the worst possible occasion.

This was the night when he should have shone for his side regardless of the outcome, but Ousmane Dembele, instead, was absolutely wasteful in attack.

He was at the receiving end of three good Barcelona chances in the opening stanza, but on each occasion, he fired straight at Navas.

In the second half, he failed to connect with Jordi Alba's exceptional cross just five yards away from goal in what could've been an easy tap-in.

Dembele has managed to keep himself fit this season, contributing 12 goals, the most he's ever managed for Barcelona in a single campaign. However, those numbers account for nothing if he cannot replicate that sort of form on big nights like these.


Hit: Marquinhos (PSG)

The PSG captain was a rock in defence.
The PSG captain was a rock in defence.

The Brazilian's fine run of form continued with another defensive masterclass against Barcelona. Marquinhos read the game brilliantly and snuff out danger on a few occasions. He also made a key block to deny Messi late on in the game.

However, it were his eight clearances in the game - twice more than anyone else - which was truly impressive on the night.

So often, an underrated figure in the PSG team, the Brazilian reminded everyone of his importance with a colossal performance in defence.

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