PSG beat Barcelona 4-2 to stay top of Champions League on goal difference

Paris Saint-Germain remain top of the Champions League league phase on goal difference after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Barcelona at the Parc des Princes. Late goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz gave Luis Enrique's side a third win in three games and left the visitors empty-handed despite a spectacular equaliser from Lamine Yamal.

• PSG stay top of the Champions League standings with a perfect record of three wins.
• Vitinha scored in the 81st minute and Fabian Ruiz made it 4-2 shortly before the final whistle.
• Desire Doue opened the scoring before the break and Lucas Hernandez headed PSG 3-2 ahead.
• Lamine Yamal produced a superb solo goal to level at 2-2.
• Goalkeeper Joan Garcia was Barcelona's standout performer with several crucial saves.

Late goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz secure PSG's third straight win

After beating Manchester City in their previous Champions League fixture, the holders showed their mental strength against a Barcelona side who refused to go away. With the score level at 2-2, Vitinha struck from just outside the box in the 81st minute. Fabian Ruiz then put the result beyond doubt shortly before the final whistle as Parc des Princes erupted.

Desire Doue steps up as PSG lose Dembele and Kvaratskhelia to injury

Luis Enrique's side had to manage two early injury blows. Ousmane Dembele was replaced after just 20 minutes, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also went off with a physical issue. Ferran Torres came on as the first substitute, but it was Desire Doue who took the spotlight. The young forward put the defending champions ahead as half-time approached with a fine finish into the bottom left corner.

The opening goal began with another Barcelona error in possession, a recurring problem for the visitors. PSG pounced immediately, and Doue punished the mistake with clinical precision to give his side the lead.

Joan Garcia and Matvey Safonov shine in an end-to-end first half

Barcelona stayed in the contest largely thanks to Joan Garcia. The goalkeeper made two saves in the first five minutes and produced a superb stop to deny Ferran Torres after he was played in by Joao Neves. At the other end, Matvey Safonov kept out Pedri's driving run and later denied Anthony Gordon in a one-on-one, a collision that also saw the winger accidentally kick defender Willian Pacho in the head.

Lamine Yamal's solo goal not enough as Barcelona pay for defensive mistakes

Barcelona pulled level in the 56th minute when Fermin Lopez finished a quick one-two with a slick strike. PSG retook the lead through Lucas Hernandez, who powered home a header from a corner after Ferran Torres had hit the right post from point-blank range moments earlier. But the drama continued when Lamine Yamal glided past Warren Zaire-Emery and produced a wonderful solo goal to make it 2-2.

Barcelona's defensive fragility cost them dearly throughout the night. The number of mistakes at the back allowed PSG to stay dangerous, and the home side eventually made their dominance count with two late goals that sealed an important win.

What PSG's perfect start means for the Champions League race

Three wins from three keeps PSG at the top of the league phase on goal difference. The victory over Barcelona strengthens their position in the race for a favourable draw in the knockout rounds. With key players missing through injury, Luis Enrique's squad depth has been tested early in the competition, and the response has been emphatic.