The UEFA Champions league returned with a bang as PSG produced a masterclass performance to defeat Barcelona 4 – 0 in Paris.
PSG took a huge step towards quarter-final qualification when defeated Barcelona in their round of 16 first leg tie.
Angel Di Maria opened the scoring for the French side with a wonderful freekick in the 18th minute after Julian Draxler was hacked down by Samuel Umtiti.
Barcelona had no answers to PSG as they dominated the midfield through Di Maria and Verrati. Cavani missed a chance to make it 2 – 0 when Di Maria’s cross was sent just inches wide.
Julian Draxler scored the second when Messi was dispossed in midfield by Rabiot who fed Verrati who led a counter and fed Draxler on the right to convert.
The first half ended with Barcelona having no shots on goal.
In the 55th minute, Di Maria made it three, scoring a wonder goal from outside the box before he was brought off for Lucas Moura who played a part in the fourth goal.
The Brazilian fed Rabiot who fed Cavani who’s one time shot could not be saved by Marc Ter Stegen.
Samuel Umtiti had an opportunity to pull one back for Barcelona but his header from a corner came off the cross bar.
Barcelona now have a huge job on their hands ahead of the second leg.