Barcelona lodge UEFA complaint over PSG’s chainsaw Champions League tifo
Paris Saint-Germain extended their flawless Champions League start with a 4-2 win over Barcelona at Parc des Princes, but the night was marred by injuries to key players and a pre-match display that prompted a Barcelona complaint to UEFA.
PSG take control in six-goal Champions League clash
Desire Doue put PSG ahead with a low finish after a dominant opening half from the reigning European champions. Barcelona faced 10 shots on target before the interval, their highest total conceded in one half since the 2003-04 campaign.
Barcelona twice hauled themselves level through Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal, but PSG finished strongly. Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz struck late to seal the points and hand the La Liga leaders their first loss of the season.
- Final score: Paris Saint-Germain 4-2 Barcelona.
- PSG maintained a perfect Champions League record.
- Barcelona’s 11-game winning run came to an end.
- Doue, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz were on target for PSG.
- Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal scored Barcelona’s replies.
Injuries hit both squads
The contest took a physical toll almost immediately. Ousmane Dembele went off inside the first 20 minutes with a suspected thigh problem, with Ferran Torres entering the game against his former club.
Barcelona lost Dani Olmo after 27 minutes following a knock, and Fermin Lopez replaced him during a frantic first period.
PSG’s problems worsened after the break. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia needed treatment after appearing to hurt his knee in an aerial duel with Xavi Espart. Captain Marquinhos was also forced off in the same passage of play.
Barcelona raise UEFA complaint over banner
Before kick-off, PSG supporters behind one goal unveiled a huge horror-style tifo showing a masked figure using a chainsaw on the Barcelona badge. The accompanying message read: “Massacre, Parisian style.”
Pyrotechnics were then lit to create an effect resembling sparks from the chainsaw. Barcelona took issue with the display and reported PSG to UEFA.
What happens next
Barcelona must now recover for a major domestic test, with Real Madrid due at their stadium for the next Clasico.
PSG return to Ligue 1 for a meeting with Lyon in a top-of-the-table fixture. Luis Enrique is awaiting medical updates on Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos as he considers changes to his side.
