Champions League: Barca and Atletico Claim Wins

By: Gyang Dakwo

Barcelona came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 at the Parc des Princes to take a one-goal advantage into their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg in Catalonia.

Raphinha put Barca into a one-goal lead on 37 minutes as he curled an effort into the net which had been vacated by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

PSG however provided a stunning turnaround with two goals in three minutes immediately after half-time as Ousmane Dembele fired home before Vitinha scored his maiden Champions League goal to put the hosts ahead.

Spearheaded by a double change on the hour mark, Barca drew level as Raphinha scored his second, latching onto Pedri’s excellent ball just a minute after his introduction.

Another substitute, Andreas Christensen, completed the turnaround as Barca take an advantage for their home second leg – a feat they have not achieved in their last two attempts.

In Spain, Atletico Madrid claimed what turned out to be a hard-fought 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund at the Wanda Metropolitano in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Goals from Rodrigo de Paul and Samuel Lino were the difference between the two sides, with the away side filled with nerves at an intimidating stadium in Madrid.

The hosts started with an aggressive press, harnessing the home support, and they seized upon a Dortmund error inside five minutes for Rodrigo De Paul to capitalize on an Ian Maatsen’s loose pass to put the hosts in the ascendancy.

Lino doubled the advantage at the half-hour mark, slotting home after a sweeping move that stemmed from a Nahuel Molina long throw.

Dortmund halved the deficit with 10 minutes to go as substitute Sebastien Haller converted a brilliant pass from another substitute – Julian Brandt.

The German side continued to bang on the door in search of an equaliser but Atletico did what they usually do: they clung on – somehow – and they will head to Dortmund with a slender advantage.