In a thrilling Champions League quarter-final first leg, Barcelona stunned Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-2 victory at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night. The match was marked by a standout performance from Barcelona's Raphinha, who scored two crucial goals, while PSG's star forward Kylian Mbappe failed to deliver on the big stage, drawing criticism from French sports daily L'Equipe.
L'Equipe, known for their notoriously harsh player ratings, gave Mbappe a mere 3/10 for his performance, claiming that the 25-year-old was "eagerly awaited but missed his appointment" and was "not very dangerous" during the match. The publication also criticized Mbappe for often taking the easy option and passing rather than attempting to dribble past Barcelona defenders Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo.
Mbappe was not the only PSG player to face the wrath of L'Equipe. Marco Asensio, who started the game in the 'false nine' role, struggled to make an impact and was replaced at half-time, earning a 3/10 rating. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also received a 3/10 after a night to forget, failing to cut out Lamine Yamal's cross for Raphinha's opener and staying on his line for Andreas Christensen's header in the second half. The worst score of the night, however, went to PSG centre back Lucas Beraldo, who had a torrid game against Robert Lewandowski and was rated just 2/10.
In contrast, Barcelona's Raphinha earned the highest mark of the night with an 8/10 following his brace. The 27-year-old Brazilian, who has had an irregular path at Barcelona since joining the club in 2022, seized his moment on the big stage, showing composure and brilliance in front of goal. His performance was particularly timely, as he had faced competition for his favored right-wing spot from the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and the emerging talent of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha's journey at Barcelona has been one of adaptability and perseverance. After Dembele's departure to PSG and Fati's loan to Brighton last summer, Raphinha began the season as Xavi's first choice on the right wing. However, a thigh injury in January and the rise of Yamal saw him spend time on the sidelines and take on new roles, including playing as a central attacking midfielder and on the left flank.
On Wednesday night, Raphinha showcased his versatility and importance to the team, leading the way in an unexpected victory. His goals, including a brilliantly taken volley from a Pedri through ball, helped Barcelona come back from a 2-1 deficit and secure a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona manager Xavi praised Raphinha's performance, stating, "He's a different kind of player - different in terms of his potential. He's one of the best players in the world in space. He's a goalscorer, he gives us dynamism, he throws off pressure, he's intense. He has a lot of virtues and his main virtue is looking for the team. I'm very happy for him, he deserves it. (I'm) very proud."
The victory was a testament to Barcelona's newfound identity and the impressive maturity shown by their young players, including teenagers Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, who seemed unfazed by the challenge in front of them.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona faces a complicated situation, with the club needing to sell players to address their financial difficulties. Raphinha's future may be uncertain, but his performance in Paris has undoubtedly increased his value and importance to the team.
