Raphinha's brace helps Barca edge past PSG

Raphinha bagged a brace to edge past Paris Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes in their first leg of the Champions League quarter final. 

Raphinha played hero for the Spanish side in the European competition, scoring twice against French giants to complete a stunning comeback and help the Blaugrana take a well deserved 3-2 lead home for the second leg  of their quarter final fixture. 

The visitors had the best chance very early in the game, when Nuno Mendes cleared Robert Lewandowski’s header off the line, and Xavi’s men ultimately went in front after 38 minutes, as Raphiha found the back of the net after a sensational piece of setup play from their number 9. 

The hosts came to life after the break, though. Former Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele grabbed an equaliser after 48 minutes, and seconds later, Vitinha made a fine run and finish to put the Parisians ahead. 

But the drama did not end there as Barca responded through substitute Pedri. The young midfielder provided a delightful dink over PSG’s back line for Raphinha to volley into the net to once again level the contest. Andreas Christensen then put his side into the lead, heading home past a helpless Gianluigi Donnarumma with his very first touch of the game. 

The job is not done for Barcelona as they would still need to see off the second leg slated for next week. There is no room for complacency for the Spanish giants as they head into the second leg with a slender lead.