Barcelona secured top spot in Group F with a 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent PSG ahead after 15 minutes, but goals from Lionel Messi and Neymar completed the turnaround.
The scoring was not finished, however, with Luis Suarez grabbing a third for the hosts after 77 minutes.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two European rivals.
Match statistics
BARCELONA
Shots: 12
On target: 5
Possession: 59%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 10
PSG
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 41%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 8
Was the result fair?
In truth, even the most ardent of PSG supporter will find it difficult to argue that their side deserved all the points from the Camp Nou. That is not to say that PSG did not cause problems, but overall, Barca were in control for long spells and always looked capable of moving up another gear if needed. The away side's best two chances came when the score was 1-1, but neither Lucas Moura nor Edinson Cavani could find the back of the net. The first 45 minutes was fairly even, but aside from a brief five-minute spell, Barca were the better team in the second period. With qualification already secured, PSG were surprisingly not overly-concerned with pushing for a point, which would have taken Laurent Blanc's side into the next round as group winners.
Barcelona's performance
When the team-sheets were handed in, there was serious confusion with the Barca XI. Pedro was included, but so were Messi, Neymar and Suarez, which pointed to a change in system for the home side. It was thought that Pedro would operate at right-back, but it was more of a 3-4-3 for Barca, with Pedro and Jeremy Mathieu as the wing-backs. The formation changed throughout the evening truth be told, but it did not stop Messi, Neymar and Suarez all scoring in the same match for the first time.
The performances of the front three were the major positive for Barca, but they still did not look entirely convincing at the back. Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra both had some nervy moments, while it was a surprise that Mathieu was included ahead of Jordi Alba, especially with the pace of PSG in wide areas. On another night, PSG would have scored two or three, but Barca had enough of the ball to be in control of developments. Head coach Luis Enrique can be pleased, but there is still much to ponder.
PSG's performance
PSG entered the match having not lost in any competition this season and there is no question that they caused Barca problems in the first half. Ibrahimovic sent the visitors into the lead after 15 minutes, but the French champions never really built on their early advantage. After scoring the first goal, they needed to ride out the Barca pressure that was to follow, but they conceded just four minutes after taking the lead, which was a big blow to their chances.
As mentioned, at 1-1, PSG caused a number of problems, but they could not take their chances. Neymar on the other hand, did take his chance, with the Brazilian sending Barca into a first-half lead. PSG emerged for the second period full of purpose, but they faded as the half developed and Barca were allowed long periods of comfortable possession. A victory or draw would have seen the visitors top the group, but they never offered the impression that it was too important to finish as winners. It was a decent performance from PSG, but they did not really do enough to deserve something from the match.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Luis Suarez: Suarez still hasn't scored in the league for Barca, but he now has two Champions League goals after netting the home side's third at the Camp Nou. The Uruguay international also set up Messi for the all-important equaliser and was a real live-wire throughout the contest. The prospect of facing an in-form Suarez, in addition to Messi and Neymar is certainly a scary prospect for Barca's rivals.
Biggest gaffe
Barcelona's defending for the Ibrahimovic goal was really poor, but PSG topped it down the other end for the equaliser. Suarez was somehow allowed to fumble a low cross towards the far post and instead of clearing the danger, David Luiz simply watched Messi sprint forward and convert from a tight angle. It was a poor moment for the Brazilian centre-back, who otherwise had a solid night.
Referee performance
Overall, it was a positive night for referee Martin Atkinson. Despite a number of late challenges, the official issued just one yellow card throughout the contest - with Cavani in the book for the visitors. There was not really a major decision for the Englishman to make and in truth, he was not seen for long spells, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Barcelona: The Catalan outfit return to La Liga action this Saturday with a trip to Madrid to face Getafe.
PSG: The French champions will look to continue their unbeaten Ligue 1 start when they travel to Guingamp on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
