Raphinha steals spotlight from Mbappe as Barcelona youth set records
The initial matches of the Champions League quarter-finals have provided captivating action.
Particularly noteworthy was Barcelona’s visit to Paris St-Germain, where the five-time champions staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-2 win ahead of next Tuesday’s return leg.
Raphinha, formerly of Leeds United, displayed exceptional performance in Paris, overshadowing the underwhelming performance of Kylian Mbappe.
Additionally, Barcelona’s squad featured some record-breaking teenagers who demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of a hostile Parisian audience while trailing.
‘First-class’ Raphinha delivers
Before Wednesday’s match in Paris, Brazil winger Raphinha had yet to find the net in the Champions League. However, judging by the precision of his goals, you’d never guess.
In his first goal, he took full advantage of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error, swiftly slotting home a loose ball.
His second goal, which equalized for Barcelona, showcased remarkable technique. He expertly anticipated Pedri’s lofted pass, effortlessly volleying it in with the outside of his left foot.
“I thought Raphinha was first class,” said 2007 Champions League runner-up Peter Crouch on TNT Sports. “There was so much to admire technically about his second goal.”
Barcelona boss Xavi told TNT Sports: “Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski made the difference and Pedri helped us a lot. I’m very happy and very proud of the team.”
The 27-year-old was a danger throughout and had the most shots (six), shots on target (four) and touches in the opposition box (six) for Barcelona.
He won man of the match and told Uefa.com: “These last few weeks, we’ve been working very hard in training. To come here and to return home with a win is pretty positive I’d say. Winning is important, but this tie is nowhere near finished.”
‘Mbappe can’t be as bad again?’
Mbappe, a decorated player with World Cup triumph and Ballon d’Or recognition, stood on the opposing side. Despite his accolades, the Champions League title has remained elusive for the 25-year-old.
This season marks his final opportunity to secure the trophy for PSG, as he is poised to depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.
His decisive cut-back from the byline led to PSG’s equalizer following a defensive error. However, overall, he encountered a formidable challenge from the Barcelona defense.
His offensive impact was limited to just three shots, none of which found the target, and he registered the fewest touches among outfield PSG players who completed the full match (44).
“The best player in the world, Kylian Mbappe, didn’t perform today and when he doesn’t perform then invariably PSG don’t perform,” said 2008 Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports.
“He can’t be as bad again [in the second leg]. There is no concern about him freezing on the big stage, it is normally when he comes alive. If he decides to turn it on, then he is the guy that can take them through.”
Ferdinand added that PSG will have to show a “much better version of themselves” in next Tuesday’s second leg, but there is “more in the tank”.
Barca youngsters break Champions League records
In Barcelona’s squad, there’s a mix of seasoned veterans like 35-year-old Polish striker Robert Lewandowski and 33-year-old German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, alongside a considerable infusion of youth.
This youthfulness was exemplified by Spanish winger Lamine Yamal (16 years and 272 days) and defender Pau Cubarsi (17 years and 79 days), who made history as the youngest players to grace the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Contributing to this blend, defenders Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo are both 25 years old, while 21-year-old Pedri was accompanied by 20-year-old Fermin Lopez from the bench.
Despite the intense pressure exerted by PSG, particularly upon their introduction, these young players refused to be overwhelmed and instead altered the course of the game.
“The young kids were tremendous,” said Ferdinand.
“They were carried at times by the experience but sometimes you need that fearless of Cubarsi and Yamal.
“If you think what we were doing at 16 or 17 there was no way we could have gone in and performed at that level, with that kind of energy, aura and chest out to say ‘I’m meant to be here’.”
Xavi said the club have to be “proud” of their youngsters, adding: “They have more commitment with the team. I’m happy because it’s a new Barca but we’re in a good way.”
Barcelona are playing at this stage of the tournament for the first time since 2020 and have only reached the last four in one of their past five attempts.
They might need the know-how of the experienced players and fearlessness of youth to make it two from six next week.