ANKARA
French team Paris Saint-Germain defeated Catalan club Barcelona 3-2 in the Champions League group stage game played at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night.
Down 3-1, Barcelona managed to reduce the score thanks to a brilliant lob by their flamboyant Brazilian striker Neymar off an assist by fellow countryman Dani Alves.
But the Parisian defense, led by David Luis and a stunning Marquinhos, fought valiantly and cohesively stifling all of Barcelona's attempts at goal until the final whistle.
Paris Saint-Germain were off to a good start after Brazilian center-back David Luiz found the net off a freekick by Lucas in the 10th minute.
But barely a minute later, off a give-and-go with midfilder Andres Iniesta, Argentine genius Lionel Messi made it 1-1.
The Parisians team took the lead once again in the 26th minute when Italian midfielder Marco Verratti headed the ball in the far post off a corner whipped by former Barcelona defensive midfielder Thiago Motta. The score was 2-1.
The start to second half saw an aggressive Paris Saint-Germain attacking on all fronts, rewarded for their efforts as French midfielder Blaise Matuidi volleyed the ball in the far post at the 56th minute, 3-1.
Former PSG player David Beckham was in the stands alongside famous U.S. singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z to watch the showdown.
Paris Saint-Germain's Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sidelined for this match due to his injury as were teammates Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Results of the night are as follows:
CSKA Moscow 0-1 Bayern Munich
BATE Borisov 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
Schalke 04 1-1 Maribor
APOEL 1-1 Ajax
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Porto
Manchester City 1-1 Roma
Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Chelsea
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