In one of the most dramatic games the competition has ever seen, Sergi Roberto scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Barcelona completed one of the most sensational comebacks in the history of the Champions League on Wednesday to knock out Paris St-Germain and advance to the quarter-finals.
After suffering a 4-0 defeat in the first leg, the home team needed to score quickly to have any realistic chance of making an unlikely comeback and Luis Suarez gave them the perfect start by scoring the opener in the third minute. An own goal from Layvin Kurzawa then helped Barcelona walk into the break with a two-goal lead. Barcelona’s hopes of creating history received further boost when Lionel Messi converted from the spot five-minutes after the restart.
However, the tie looked beyond Barca’s reach when Edinson Cavani scored for the visitors just after the hour mark. But there was still a lot of drama left in the match as Neymar scored a stunning free-kick in the 88th minute to set up a nervy finish. The Brazil international then scored the fifth goal for his team from the spot after Suarez went down under a challenge from Marquinhos. Sergi Roberto then completed a remarkable comeback by poking home a Neymar cross to make it 6-5 (on aggregate).
The remarkable game of football is all done and dusted now and so here we are having a look at how Luis Enrique’s men fared in the incredible game.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6.5/ 10
The Barca goalkeeper was rarely tested in the game but was spot on when called upon. Made a brilliant save to deny Edinson Cavani in the second-half.
Gerard Pique: 7/10
Had a solid game at the back. The Spain international posed a constant threat on set-pieces. Received a booking for an unnecessary foul on Cavani.
Javier Mascherano: 7/10
The Argentine was probably the best defender on the field. Looked solid throughout the game which helped the hosts keep PSG’s dangerous attackers at bay.
Samuel Umtiti: 7/10
Made some brilliant interceptions during the first-half and managed to keep the dangerous Cavani silent.
Rafinha: 6/10
Apart from some good crosses, the 24-year-old did not make much impact on the game.
Sergio Busquets: 6.5/10
Played an integral role in Barcelona winning the midfield battle but looked scrappy at times.
Ivan Rakitic: 7/10
Ran his lungs out throughout the game and played an important role in helping Barca press throughout the game. However, the Croatian almost cost his team the game after his mistake allowed Layvin Kurzawa to set up Cavani for the goal.
Andres Iniesta: 7/10
Played a big role in Kurzawa’s own goal that gave Barca a 2-0 lead and was pulling the strings in the early stages of the tie but his impact decreased as the game wore on.
Luis Suarez: 7.5/10
Scored the opener in the third minute and kept the PSG defenders on their feet throughout the game. Also won a controversial penalty in the dying minutes of the game.
Lionel Messi: 7/10
Apart from scoring the penalty in the second half, the Argentine had a quiet game by his own standards.
Neymar: 8.5/10
The star of the night, the Brazil international had a hand in all the three late goals. He won a penalty early in the second half before scoring a brace late in the game. Set up Sergi Roberto’s dramatic winner with a brilliant assist.
Substitutes:
Arda Turan: 5/10
Replaced Iniesta but failed to make any big impact.
Sergi Roberto: 8/10
Scored a brilliant goal in the 95th minute to help Barcelona create history.