UEFA Champions League: Barcelona and PSG Reach Champions Semifinals Despite Losses
FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain both advanced to the Champions League semifinals on Tuesday night, with Barcelona overcoming Borussia Dortmund and PSG surviving a scare against Aston Villa in two exhilarating matches.
Barcelona’s Narrow Escape
Barcelona secured their spot in the semifinals with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Borussia Dortmund, despite suffering a 3-1 defeat in the second leg. Holding a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg, the Catalan giants faced a fierce challenge in Dortmund, where Serhou Guirassy took center stage.
Guirassy opened the scoring for Dortmund with a Panenka penalty in the 11th minute, sending shockwaves through the visiting camp. He then doubled the lead early in the second half, heading in from a corner to put Dortmund within touching distance of an incredible comeback.
However, Barcelona responded well. Fermin Lopez’s effort led to an own goal by Ramy Bensebaini, cutting the deficit. Guirassy reignited Dortmund’s hopes with a third goal in the 76th minute, but a disallowed strike from Julian Brandt proved crucial as Barcelona held on to advance.
Coach Hansi Flick praised his team’s ability to focus on the positives despite the loss. “What the team has shown in the past few weeks is incredible. We’re a step further but we’re not even close to the end,” he said. Barcelona will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the semifinals, keeping their treble dream alive.
*PSG’s Hard-Fought Victory*
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Aston Villa with a 5-4 aggregate win after a thrilling 3-2 defeat in the second leg. The French champions looked to be in control early on, with Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes scoring in quick succession to extend their first-leg lead.
However, Villa mounted a fierce comeback, with Youri Tielemans pulling one back before halftime. The home crowd erupted as John McGinn and Ezri Konsa scored two quick goals early in the second half, leveling the match on the night.
PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma played a pivotal role, making crucial saves to deny Villa, including a stunning stop from a header by Tielemans. The visitors regained composure and managed to hold Villa off, securing their place in the semifinals.
PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, now has the opportunity to focus solely on the Champions League, with Arsenal likely awaiting them in the next round. As they pursue their first Champions League title, PSG has rarely looked as formidable, particularly after clinching the Ligue 1 title earlier this season.
