Champions League quarter-finals RECAP: Raphinha netting twice as Barcelona come back to win 3-2 in thriller in Paris after PSG netted twice in three minutes

First leg down, second to go…

Are you not entertained?

There was a moment tonight when I was disappointed with tonight’s standard of football, and I found myself thinking back to last night and smiling.

Then, the goals went flying in, and my smile grew even wider.

Barcelona showed real character to come back from relinquishing a first-half lead, to end up winning 3-2. They are now in prime position for the semi-finals. Well, unless Kylian Mbappe actually turns up next week.

Meanwhile in Madrid, Atletico made it a double for the Spanish sides, holding on to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1. It’s all to play for in Germany next week.

The Champions League never disappoints, I will always, and I mean always, enjoy covering this magnificent competition.

Sadly, that’s all we have for you tonight though, but don’t worry you’ll be reading my gibberish again very soon.

I can’t wait to see you all again next time, thanks for joining!

WATCH: Christensen heads home winner

I bet not many envisioned Andreas Christensen scoring the winner today.

The big Dane made an instant impact, scoring with his first touch just a minute after coming onto the pitch.

The defending from PSG is shambolic though, it must be said.

Luis Enrique: ‘There’s still spirit to go to Barcelona and win’

Luis Enrique, PSG boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

It was a pity because I think we started the match properly and in a good mood. Disappointing after we conceded the goal. The second half started in the best way but suddenly we suffered the second goal. We created some chances but for us, it’s a pity. There’s still the spirit to go to Barcelona and try to win.We have [Achraf] Hakimi back next week but it’s not only about one player. We have to work as a team, we will go to Barca with the best attitude and commitment to try and win the match.

Dortmund still in the tie

While it’s tough to see PSG coming from behind in the second leg, the same can not be said about Borussia Dortmund.

they could easily have been three or four down at one stage, but they stuck together and trail by just one goal to Atletico Madrid.

Do you believe they can do it?

Can PSG claw it back?

To lose at home in the fashion they did tonight, it’s hard to see PSG turning it around in the second leg.

This was a real chance for them to show their credentials, and display they have what it takes to win the competition.

Well, they failed in both. It doesn’t look like it will be a fairytale ending for Kylian Mbappe.

Xavi: ‘Raphinha and Lewandowski made the difference’

Xavi, Barcelona boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

Big win, playing away in the Champions League. We played well, we defended well and attacked. Tactically we did really well. They changed a lot of players, we defended [Kylian] Mbappe really well. We created many chances, Raphinha and Robert [Lewandowski] made the difference, and Pedri helped us a lot. Very happy and very proud of the team. Big win but half work, the game in Barcelona will be tough. PSG are one of best teams in the world right now.

Player of the Match: Raphinha

Realistically, it was never going to be anybody else.

Raphinha was imperious tonight. The former Leeds man caused mayhem amongst the PSG backline and was rewarded with a brace.

The second goal was particularly majestic, he won’t score many better than that in his career.

I bet Leeds fans feel like proud parents.

SOFASCORE STATS: PSG 2-3 Barcelona

It may have started off slow, but boy, oh boy, did the game get going.

Yesterday was a hard act to follow, but these two teams tried their best by throwing in a Champions League classic. They always deliver.

With five goals, 33 shots, and six cards, the game was certainly eventful. The statistics may not show it, but I thought Barcelona were worth their win.

More of that next week, please!

A night to forget for Mbappe

I haven’t watched Kylian Mbappe play that poorly for a while.

Barcelona kept the French star quiet all game, he really struggled to get involved in anything.

He even resorted to trying to superman punch the ball into the net at one stage.

Real Madrid fans will hope for better in El Clasico next season, well, that’s if he moves there. Who knows?

‘Barcelona will fancy finishing the job at home’

Pete Jensen, Mail Sport:

Barcelona will fancy finishing the job at home, especially with Gianluigi Donnarumma in this form.

Barca go 12 unbeaten

Well, well, well…

We spoke before the game about Xavi’s position after Barcelona’s recent upturn in form, I wonder where that result leaves him?

To go to the Parc des Princes and win in the way they did, shows the belief within the group right now. 12 match unbeaten streaks are not easy to come by.

In the process, they ended PSG’s own unbeaten streak of 27.

FULL-TIME: Atletico 2-1 Dortmund

Atletico hold on despite the late Dortmund pressure to take a lead into the second leg.

After a nightmare first half which saw Atletico race into a two-goal lead, Dortmund came back strong in the second period and halved the deficit through substitute Sebastian Haller.

They huffed and they puffed in search of a late equaliser, but they couldn’t find it.

Edin Terzic will still be happy with where his side are though, he’ll feel they can turn it around on home soil.

Diego Simeone will be somewhat pleased as well, they lead at the halfway stage.

FULL-TIME: PSG 2-3 Barcelona

What a game!

I find myself gutted that the whistle has blown, that second half was simply brilliant.

In a game that swung one way, then the other, and then back again, it’s Barcelona that take a valuable lead with them to Spain.

Xavi’s side looked done when PSG overturned their half-time lead within five minutes of the second half, but after some smart substitutions and sheer determination, they turned it back around.

The PSG players look gutted, not least Kylian Mbappe, he wasn’t at the races today.

Advantage Barcelona, PSG have it all to do next week.

CHANCE! PSG 2-3 Barcelona

It’s last chance saloon for PSG and Kylian Mbappe sends an effort wide via a deflection.

It was like the Parc des Princes went silent as the ball fell to him, but he couldn’t make them cheer.

YELLOW CARDS: PSG 2-3 Barcelona (Christensen and Beraldo)

Andreas Christensen is the first player to go into the book and that means he will miss the second leg.

Moments later, Beraldo of PSG commits a horrible high tackle and gets a yellow card for it. That would have been a yellow in rugby too!

PSG 2-3 Barcelona

Did Kylian Mbappe just try and punch the ball in?

Ousmane Dembele fires in a cross-cum-shot and Mbappe leaps at it with both arms forward but he can’t reach it.

You might be good Mbappe, but you aren’t Superman…

PSG 2-3 Barcelona

VAR quickly checks for a PSG penalty as Vitinha is brought down by Andreas Christensen, but it quickly moves on.

The challenge started outside the box anyway, it was never going to be given.

I have been impressed by VAR today, it’s being run by Stuart Atwell too. Why can’t they be this quick in the Premier League?

GOAL!!! Atletico 2-1 Dortmund (Haller 81′)

The substitute gets Dortmund back in it!

It’s a fabulous finish by Sebastian Haller, he takes the ball on the swivel and fires it into the bottom corner.

Oh, how Borussia Dortmund needed that!

PSG 2-3 Barcelona

It turns out it’s Andreas Christensen’s 28th birthday.

What a gift for not only himself but his club too. It was a fantastic header.

PSG 2-3 Barcelona

When Barcelona went 2-1 down, I thought they were down and out.

However, Xavi’s changes have turned this game around, both of their goals this half have involved their substitutes.

You have to applaud their character too.

GOAL!!! PSG 2-3 Barcelona (Christensen 77′)

With his first touch of the game!

I was just about to finish writing a post that Andreas Christensen had come on for Frenkie de Jong, then I look up and he heads home from a corner with his first involvement.

PSG have struggled to deal with Barcelona’s corners and they have paid the price again. What and incredible turnaround from Xavi’s men.

Who knows what the scoreline will end up being, I’m just enjoying the ride!

HIT THE POST! PSG 2-2 Barcelona

So close to a brace from Ousmane Dembele!

Dembele runs into the box and lets fly with a bending effort which smashes against the post.

I have no idea which way this match is going now, they are both going for it.

PSG 2-2 Barcelona

Gianluigi Donnarumma is called into action to stop a Joao Felix effort from distance.

I just knew as soon as I moaned about this game it would come alive, and it had.

Basically, I think I