FC Barcelona are almost certain to qualify for the semis of UEFA Champions League after claiming a comfortable 3-1 victory over PSG in the first-leg of their quarter final in Paris. Luis Suarez scored a brace while Neymar scored one goal for the Catalans and coach Luis Enrique was pleased with the display of his players.
PSG coach Laurent Blanc had to start this game without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the Swede was suspended. And the matters got only worse for them as Thiago Silva injured himself in the first half while his replacement, David Luiz, made some childish errors which allowed Luis Suarez to score his both goals.
FC Barcelona made a slow start to the game as PSG looked comfortable in first fifteen minutes of the game but Leo Messi gave a brilliant pass to Neymar, who made no mistake in scoring a nice goal in the 18th minute, which was just the start of the domination of the Catalans.
The Catalans dominated the game in the remaining part of the first half while Luis Suarez scored brilliant two goals in the time span of twelve minutes to put FC Barcelona in the commanding position. Gregory Van Der Wiel was lucky to score through a deflection to raise some hopes for PSG but Barca are now the clear favorites to progress to the semis of Champions League for the seventh time in past 8 years.
FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was happy with the win and praised the display of his players after the game.
a There are many adjectives to describe that performance. Intelligence is one of them. We did well with possession, in defence and we have a strong team,a said Luis Erique later.
a I wanted a little bit of everything. I have many options and you always appreciate that as a Coach.
a The players are free to move in attack, with balance. Wea re not interested in freedom without balance.a
a Ita s a good time to congratulate the players. I think ita s a deserved victory.a
Luis Enrique was not happy with the goal conceded by FC Barcelona but said that it was because of the a bad lucka .
a PSG tried to cause us problems too but their goal was the result of a play in which we had no luck.a