It was a tale of two halves at the Estadi Olímpic, as Barcelona’s promising first-half performance collapsed into frustration, while PSG fans erupted in joy after watching a depleted squad rally for a late 2-1 winBarcelona supporters were left pointing fingers at coach Hansi Flick’s tactical rigidity, while Parisian fans celebrated Luis Enrique’s tactical masterclass and the resilience of their young squad, Softfootball reports.
For many neutrals and lovers of football, the heavyweight clash lived up to its hype as one of the early highlights of this season’s Champions League league phase, it was a contest filled with tactical swings, individual brilliances, and late drama. Where Barcelona seemed in control early through Yamal’s flashes, PSG’s collective strength and adaptability changed the game in the second half, leaving fans with plenty to debate online.
Barcelona Fans Frustrated with Flick’s Decisions
Many Barcelona supporters felt the defeat was self-inflicted, drawing painful comparisons with last season’s loss to Inter.
@mems lamented:
The exact same tactical hard-headedness that cost us against Inter last year. We need more flexibility and should try to play direct and instant counter-attacks as we completely lose control of the midfield.
Others blasted Flick’s substitutions, especially his decision to withdraw Marcus Rashford instead of underperforming Ferran Torres. @daddyzee fumed:
Flick was crazy for subbing Rash and leaving the useless Ferran & mid Olmo. Leave Rash for 90 minutes and he should take 80% of our free kicks.
The insistence on a high defensive line also drew heavy criticism. @alberttheodore warned:
Please no more highline in last 10 minutes!!! Replace Olmo with Rashy as AM/SS while Fermin and Raphinha are recovering.
Meanwhile after the game, Barcelona via its official X handle, posted the post match reaction of coach Hansi Flick, the germam manager looked distraught but still maintained that he had full confidence in his players ability and expects the team to bounce back and focus on the bigger goal ahead, watch the full video below;
For @damacoy, the blame was squarely on Flick’s team selection:
Did Hansi flick bet on this match to lose? Started Pau Cubarsí and Garcia together, started Ferran and when he was useless he substituted Rashford instead, left Yamal isolated instead of changing him, then played Casadó and Bernal with a high line… wtf.
Others noted fatigue was evident. @faithedem wrote:
Most players were tired in the early second half especially Kounde, but no, the team allowed us to lose. Defeat is expected sometimes, but yesterday’s match was a colossal waste of time, energy and resources.
The criticism was relentless. @mazichinalogu summed up the mood:
This loss falls squarely on Flick. The substitutions were timid and off the mark. Ferran should’ve been taken off, not Rashford. Casadó and Bernal had no business being thrown into this kind of game.
PSG Fans Celebrate Luis Enrique’s Masterclass
In sharp contrast, PSG fans were jubilant, praising the team’s mentality and depth despite being ravaged by injuries.
@graft hailed the resilience:
Beaten by the waves… despite Yamal in Neymar mode and a strong 1st half, Paris was still in the game before suffocating this Barça in an exceptional 2nd half. Special mention for our youngsters. Paris Super Great.”
@marko praised the spirit:
What a great performance. Very positive mindset, great control throughout the match despite all the absences. Well done, team.”
After the game, the PSG players were very excited to get the much deserved win away from home, this is evident as PSG via its official X handle, posted an exclusive post match dressing footage showing the players reactions to the incredible win, watch full video below;
Some took the chance to mock Barcelona. @clerko joked:
Lmao, they sold us Barca as a terror so we’d eat them up with our substitutes hahaha.”
Meanwhile, @psgpassion was euphoric:
THEY ARE JUST HUGE!!! WITH A TEAM DECIMATED BY INJURIES THEY BEAT ONE OF THE BEST EUROPEAN TEAMS. THEY ARE GRAND AND WE CAN SAY IT… IMPOSSIBLE IS NOT PARISIAN.”
Full-Back Brilliance: Mendes & Hakimi Shine
One of the biggest talking points was the dominance of PSG’s full-backs.
@gillsbillion demanded Mendes stay:
Never, hear and read it well, never should Nuno be transferred to another club!!! He’s the boss to Yamal.”
PSG where without their starting front three and some of their other key players that won the UCL last season as they were sidelined through injuries, but other senior players had to step up and one stood up the highest, rising to the occassion when it matters most for the paris team, Nuno Mendes. PSG via its official X handle, confirmed with an exclusive video that the Portugese leftback had won the player of the match for his brilliant performance on the night,watch video below;
@sebstaindiagma credited Enrique for PSG’s flank power:
PSG currently has, by far, the most influential full-backs in the world. Without their main wingers, Paris’s biggest threat was Nuno Mendes and Hakimi. The credit? Luis Enrique.”
Even rival fans acknowledged Mendes’ dominance. @speciallfc added:
That’s Nuno Mendes vs ‘world best Yamal’. Not even Dembele can beat Mendes.”
Banter and Bragging Rights
The win also ignited classic PSG bravado. @sidibazz teased:
Waaaaaah the madness, I get home from work and what do I see on X — PARIS wins 2-1. Tomorrow the BARCA supporters at work… I’m gonna have a field day. Here we don’t mess around cause here it’s PARIS.
For @humaindupsg, even unpopular players delivered:
Magnificent entrance by Ramos, Hernandez, Lee, and little Quentin, in short all these players that the supporters want to see leave — in your face you f* scum.
It was no small feat for PSG to defeat Barcelona at home and to do it without some of their major stars including the most recent Ballon D’or winner Ousmane Dembele was truly remarkable, one that will live in the hearts of the parisans for a long time. Of course the players couldnt do it alone as they had the support of the travelling fans who saw them through the game as their 12th man on the field.
PSG via its official X handle, shared a post match video of the players excitedly appreciating theier fans who travelled down to Barcelona to support the team as they claim one of the biggest victories of their UCL campaign just yet, see video below;
Looking Ahead
For Barcelona, the pressure mounts on Hansi Flick. Fans fear his stubborn tactical approach especially the persistent high defensive line is undermining their chances in Europe. With La Liga fixtures ahead and Real Madrid looming, Flick’s ability to adapt will be tested immediately.
For PSG, the win was a statement. With Luis Enrique steering the ship and full-backs like Hakimi and Mendes dominating, Paris fans believe they can retain the title as kings of Europe once again.
