PSG edge Barcelona in six-goal Champions League thriller as Luis Enrique praises attacking display

Paris St-Germain ended Barcelona’s 11-match unbeaten start to the season with a 4-2 Champions League win in a breathless contest at the Parc des Princes.

The reigning European champions were forced to weather sustained pressure from the visitors before a series of superb finishes allowed them to take control.

Desire Doue gave PSG the lead in the 38th minute after Barcelona were caught trying to play out from the back. The forward won possession, drove towards the penalty area and placed a low shot into the bottom-left corner.

It continued an impressive run of form for Doue, who also scored in last week’s victory over Manchester City.

Barcelona responded about 10 minutes into the second half. Teenage defender Xavi Espart surged into the penalty area and beat Matvey Safonov at his near post to bring the visitors level.

The Spanish side then came close to going in front when Ferran Torres hit the woodwork after Barcelona broke quickly on the counter-attack.

PSG restored their advantage when Lucas Hernandez rose to meet a corner and powered his header into the net. Barcelona equalised again through Lamine Yamal, who produced an outstanding individual effort.

The Barcelona forward turned away from Warren Zaire-Emery before bursting into the box and squeezing his shot beyond Safonov.

PSG responded within two minutes. Vitinha brought a clearance under control on his chest before striking a superb volley into the bottom corner to put the hosts back in front.

Fabian Ruiz added a fourth five minutes later, arriving at the far post to convert Achraf Hakimi’s low cross.

Both goalkeepers played important roles in a match that produced a succession of chances. Joan Garcia denied Doue and Ousmane Dembele during the first half, while Safonov kept out Fermin Lopez in a one-on-one shortly before the interval.

PSG manager Luis Enrique said the match reflected the quality and attacking ambition of both teams.

“I think we witnessed two teams playing incredible football, such attacking football. We showed our level. It was a very competitive match,” he said.

“It was hard to keep control of the game. It’s only three more points, but it’s always positive to defeat such a quality side. The players that came off the bench were excellent and gave us a real boost. We are very happy.”

The victory moves PSG to nine points in the Champions League. They travel to Villarreal on Tuesday, 3 November, while Barcelona, who remain on six points, host Aston Villa at Camp Nou on the same evening.