Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona, 2013 UEFA Champions League: Barca give up lead twice in draw

If you’ve watched enough Barcelona this season you’re probably very aware of their problems on the back line. Barca have not been known for their defensive prowess over the past few seasons but it hasn’t stopped them from soaring to great heights both in the league and in Europe.

Their “devil may care” defensive attitude and seemingly suicidal use of their fullbacks as highly offensive wing backs leaves their central defense duo nearly alone at the back to deal with the opposition’s attacking forays. It started to be less effective last season and the wheels have flown off this season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic really should have done better with the ball in the 57th minute but appeared to get ahead of himself and compeltely mishandled a cross from Christophe Jallet. It was a rare poor first touch from the Swede and possibly a sign of frustration.

There’s no doubt that Barcelona learned from PSG’s close calls midway through the first half and have looked far more composed in the first 15 minutes of the second half, much as they did in the final 15 of the first half. Fabregas isn’t able to do the things in the middle that Messi can but he should be more than up to the task of helping Barca keeps things under control.