Xavi admits PSG are still favorites to win the Champions League quarterfinals despite Barcelona’s monumental away win

FC Barcelona winning 3-2 against PSG couldn't convince Xavi Hernandez that PSG aren't the favorites to win the Champions League!

Xavi admits PSG are still favorites to win the Champions League quarterfinals despite Barcelona’s monumental away win

Xavi Hernandez still thinks PSG are favorites to win the UCL (Via X/@brfootball & PSG_inside)

FC Barcelona went into the game against Paris Saint-Germain knowing very well that they were second favorites for the win. Despite a front-line of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Marco Asensio, Barcelona came out victorious at the Parc des Princes. Two goals in the second half saw Xavi’s men come out on top as the score line read 3-2.

Barcelona began the game on the back foot, as PSG took a slew of shots at the Barcelona goal. However, the visitors took the lead through Raphinha in the 37th minute, and went in to the dressing room with a narrow lead. Despite two quick goals at the start of the second half by the hosts, FC Barcelona found their bearings to finally win the game 3-2. After the match, Xavi said he thinks PSG are still the favorites.

YouTube video
I believe that PSG are the favorites. We've just tightened the gap because we were solid defensively. I'm very proud because it was a great win against one of the best teams in the world. We are halfway there.
Xavi Hernandez said in a post-match interview.

It came off as no surprise that Xavi played a crucial role in Barcelona’s win, with his two ‘genius’ substitutions handing the win for Barcelona.

FS Video

Xavi makes two brilliant changes to hand Barcelona the win

While Barcelona put up an impressive display against Kylian Mbappe and co., it would’ve have been possible without the genius of Xavi Hernandez. The Spanish manager played a crucial role in his team’s win, making two important substitutions in the second half. To name his changes as having an immediate impact would be an understatement.

Xavi
Pedri & Andreas Christensen both made goal contributions within a minute of being subbed on! (Via X/@FCBarcelona & Pedri)

Xavi swapped captain Sergi Roberto for Pedri in the 61st minute. The 21-year-old wasted no time to get to work, as he sent in a peach of an assist to Barca winger Raphinha.

The Brazilian met his pass first time, guiding it past a confused Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 2-2. In another moment of brilliance, Xavi swapped Frenkie de Jong for Andreas Christensen.

The towering defender came to Barcelona’s rescue, as he leapt the highest to meet Ilkay Gundogan’s corner kick. With no goalkeeper in sight, Christensen did well to guide the ball into the empty net, thereby giving Barcelona the all-important third goal of the game.

As the defender’s first goal of the season gave Barca the win, fans quickly took to social media to praise the genius of their manager – Xavi Hernandez. Many called for him to not leave at the end of the season!

In case you missed!