Barcelona star admits PSG ‘deserved’ win over Barcelona

Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon said Paris St-Germain “deserved” their 4-2 victory over the Spanish Champions.

Désiré Doué put the hosts 1-0 ahead going into half-time but Xavi Espart equalised after 55 minutes. PSG were ahead again through Lucas Hernández on 72 minutes although they were pegged back seven minutes later by Lamine Yamal.

Vítiniha and Fabián Ruiz scored in the 81st and 86th minutes respectively to ensure the Parisians’ perfect start to the Champions League.

Following the game, Anthony Gordon said: “I think it was quite predictable that it was going to be high-scoring and a good spectacle for people to watch. I was hoping we would come out on the right side of that, but unfortunately we didn’t.

“They deserved it. They were the better team and had the better moments with real quality. Athletically, they were able to sustain the pressure and intensity for longer than we were. They’ve been the team to beat for two years and tonight they gave a great example as to why.

“I think we can take great positives because we played well. It was a competitive spectacle. We’ve still got work to do and that’s a good position to be in.

Gordon’s team-mate, Raphinha started a game for the first time in over a month for Barcelona after picking up an injury while on international duty for Brazil.

He said: “We knew it could happen; we’re facing the two-time European champions, and playing in front of their fans is very tough.

“We wanted to come away with a win or a point – whatever – but it’s no big deal; these things happen when they’re meant to, and in the end we’ve only dropped three points.

“They are a very well-drilled side. Despite today’s result, we competed well. Both teams like to play with the ball and we had possession. It was a good test and shows we can compete. The result doesn’t matter, but we played well.

“After all, I’ve had less than a week’s training, and this was the plan – to play fewer minutes. I finished the match feeling good and strong, and I’m trying to improve my physical condition further.”

Manager Hansi Flick told reporters: “I think it was a fantastic game from both teams but we made too many mistakes, especially in possession.

“But I also saw a lot of good things. For me it was a great test for us and you also saw today what errors we have to improve to make things better.

“We have to learn from this game. Today, in October, you cannot win titles. You win the Champions League in June.”

This was the first time that Barcelona had failed to win this season. Before last night they had played 11, won 11 while scoring 48 goals.

They host rivals Real Madrid on Sunday in the first El Clásico of the season.