The game was an emotional rollercoaster, with Barcelona initially taking the lead, only to fall behind, and then executing a stunning comeback.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Brazilian forward Raphinha scored twice, including the opener in the first half, taking advantage of a mistake by PSG's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to net his first Champions League goal at the 37-minute mark, reports Xinhua.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
PSG quickly turned the tables after halftime, with Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha scoring to give the Parisians a 2-1 advantage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was at this juncture that Xavi made a tactical masterstroke. In the 61st minute, he brought on Rodri and Joao Felix for Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto, a change that quickly paid off.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pedri, just two minutes after coming on, lofted a perfect pass to Raphinha, who calmly finished past Donnarumma, drawing the teams level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the 76th minute, Xavi's strategic acumen was on display again when he substituted Andreas Christensen and Ferran Torres for Frenkie de Jong and the key player Raphinha. Christensen scored with a header from a corner just a minute later, sealing a dramatic comeback for Barcelona.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Pedri came on and helped us a lot. I'm very proud of the team. Christensen also came on and helped,\" Xavi said. \"Tactically we did really well.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Since Xavi announced his departure from the team at the end of the season following a January defeat to Villarreal, Barcelona has been unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, a stark contrast to PSG's previous unbeaten streak of 27 matches, which ended with this loss.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We made things a bit difficult for ourselves. We managed to turn things around in the second half and could have had a third (goal),\" PSG coach Luis Enrique said. \"Everything's still open for us and we will go there with ambition.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The return leg is set for April 16 at Barcelona's home ground.<\/p>\r\n\r\n", "image": "https:\/\/img.cricketnmore.com\/uploads\/2024\/04\/champions-league-xavis-magic-substitutions-lead-barcelona-to-thrilling-win-over-psg.jpeg", "alt_img": "Champions League: Xavi's magic substitutions lead Barcelona to thrilling win over PSG", "alt_title": "Champions League: Xavi's magic substitutions lead Barcelona to thrilling win over PSG", "image1": null, "video": null, "seo_title": "Champions League: Xavi's Magic Substitutions Lead Barcelona To Thrilling Win Over PSG On Cricketnmore", "seo_desc": "Champions League: Xavi's Magic Substitutions Lead Barcelona To Thrilling Win Over PSG, Champions League: Barcelona's manager, Xavi Hernandez, showcased his tactical genius by making two substitutions that led directly to goals, propelling.", "seo_keywords": "Champions League, Xavi Hernandez, Paris Saint, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ousmane Dembele, Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal, Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen, Ferran Torres, Since Xavi, Luis Enrique", "tag": "", "tagging": "Champions League, Xavi Hernandez, Paris Saint, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ousmane Dembele, Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal, Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen, Ferran Torres, Since Xavi, Luis Enrique", "status": "1", "img_rpt": "0", "google": "1", "standout": "0", "edapps": "0", "pulse": "0", "no_index": "0", "feed": "0", "fixture": null, "slug": "champions-league-xavis-magic-substitutions-lead-barcelona-to-thrilling-win-over-psg", "user_id": "0", "read_count": "0", "ians_date": null, "ians_time": null, "server_time": null, "trash": "0", "view_count": "601", "page_break": "0", "instant_articles": "1", "auto_link": "0", "created": "2024-04-11 10:08:03", "updated": "2024-04-11 10:08:03", "img_from": "Image Source: IANS", "img_source": null, "schedule_publish": null, "news_keywords": "Champions League, Xavi Hernandez, Paris Saint, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ousmane Dembele, Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal, Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen, Ferran Torres, Since Xavi, Luis Enrique", "livescore_text": null, "livescore_link": null, "btn_text": null, "resend_feed": "1", "google_feed": "1", "read_more": "0", "posted_by": "23", "jio_date": "2024-04-11 10:08:03", "scheduled": "0", "news_now": "0", "breaking_news": "0", "google_date": null, "featured": "0", "sports_name": "football", "cnmid": "889684", "link": "https:\/\/www.cricketnmore.com\/sports-news\/champions-league-xavis-magic-substitutions-lead-barcelona-to-thrilling-win-over-psg-14489" }