Paris Saint-Germain struck hard against Chelsea on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes by winning (5-2) in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League. In a spectacular encounter, the Parisians made the difference thanks to a high-level offensive performance after being jostled at times by the Londoners who equalized twice before Luis Enrique’s troops accelerated at the end of the match. This poster also had a scent of revenge after the tense final of the Club World Cup won by the Blues last summer in the United States. And in this particular context, Bradley Barcola signed one of his most successful European matches in the Parisian jersey.
While scoring three consecutive days of Ligue 1, the French winger, often criticized in the Champions League, kicked off the Parisian evening with a cool opening score in the 10th minute. On a cross from the right from Ousmane Dembélé then a header from João Neves, Barcola adjusted an unstoppable half-volley from the left for Filip Jørgensen. A clean and perfectly executed gesture which above all put an end to a long European famine. The former Lyonnais went 17 consecutive matches without scoring, the last one dating back to the return play-off against Stade Brestois last season. This goal freed a player who has often been criticized in recent months for his lack of effectiveness in the competition.
The perfect copy of Bradley Barcola
But Barcola’s evening was not limited to this opening score. Very available on his left side, the Blues international constantly sought depth and posed numerous problems for the London defense. His curling shot in the 25th minute, which grazed the post after a superb save from Jørgensen, illustrated the Parisian winger’s newfound confidence. His ability to fix and then accelerate regularly allowed PSG to unbalance the English block and stretch the opposing defensive line. A symbol of total newfound confidence that the 23-year-old commented on extensively in the mixed zone. “Honestly it feels good. As I said, I worked a lot to score this type of goal. I hope it continues like this. All the players support me and give me a lot of confidence, especially the coach. I knew what I had to do and today it worked for me. I am very happy“.
Barcola’s activity without a ball also made an impression. In accordance with Luis Enrique’s demands, the striker increased his pressing runs and harassed Jørgensen on several restarts. “It’s a very big match. I think it’s one of our benchmark matches this season. We really all played together, whether defensively or offensively. We stayed together the whole match and I think that’s why we were rewarded tonight», added Barcola in the mixed zone. This intensity ended up being rewarded in the last quarter of an hour when his high recovery triggered the action of Vitinha’s goal. Scorer, very active in pressing and involved in offensive construction, Bradley Barcola delivered a complete performance which could well mark a turning point in his European campaign with PSG.
