Paris Saint-Germain end Barcelona’s perfect start with 4-2 Champions League win

Paris Saint-Germain ended Barcelona’s 11-match winning run by beating them 4-2 in Paris, handing the Catalan side their first defeat of the season in all competitions.

The victory at the Parc des Princes came in the third round of the opening phase of the Champions League and moved Paris Saint-Germain to nine points at the top of the table. Barcelona remain on six points.

Desire Doue, Lucas Hernandez, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz scored for the French side, while Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal replied for Barcelona.

Barcelona had won all 11 of their previous matches this season, including nine in the league and two in the Champions League.

Egypt striker Hamza Abdelkarim remained an unused substitute for Barcelona throughout the match.

Paris make early pressure count

Paris Saint-Germain created the first clear opening when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s powerful effort struck the post in the second minute.

Barcelona responded on the counter-attack, with Anthony Gordon going close to putting them ahead before shooting wide.

Paris were forced into an early change when Ousmane Dembele was injured in the 20th minute. Ferran Torres replaced him and almost made an immediate impact, but his header was brilliantly saved by Joan Garcia.

Barcelona also lost Dani Olmo to injury and brought on Fermin Lopez in a forced substitution.

Torres then missed another opportunity inside the area, with Joan Garcia again making the save. Paris eventually broke through in the 38th minute when Desire Doue found the corner with an excellent strike.

Joan Garcia kept Barcelona in the contest by pushing away another fierce attempt from Kvaratskhelia outside the area, but Paris went into half-time 1-0 ahead.

Torres missed another one-on-one chance early in the second half, denied once more by Joan Garcia.

Barcelona finally levelled in the 55th minute when Xavi Espart drove a right-footed shot into the net from inside the penalty area.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique responded with a double substitution, sending on Illia Zabarnyi and Akliouche for Marquinhos and Kvaratskhelia.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick made three changes of his own, introducing Rodri, Karim Adeyemi and Gavi for Marc Bernal, Pedri and Raphinha.

Late Paris response settles contest

Paris regained the lead in the 72nd minute. Lucas Hernandez headed home from a corner to make it 2-1.

Yamal restored parity seven minutes later with a moment of individual quality. He ran past the Paris defence before producing a superb finish to beat the goalkeeper.

The hosts responded almost immediately, with Vitinha putting them back in front in the 82nd minute. His powerful effort from just outside the area gave Joan Garcia no chance.

Paris completed the scoring in the 87th minute when Fabian Ruiz turned Achraf Hakimi’s cross into the net, confirming a 4-2 win and ending Barcelona’s perfect start to the campaign.