3 things we learned from Barcelona’s comfortable 2-0 win over PSG

Paris Saint-Germain were, unsurprisingly, no match for Barcelona on Tuesday evening. The Blaugrana entered the second leg of their Champions League tie up two goals, and they didn’t really have to do much but pass the ball in circles at Camp Nou. They decided to do a little more than that anyway, scoring twice to secure a 5-1 aggregate victory and progression to the semifinals.

It took no time at all for Barca to essentially end the tie. Andres Iniesta set up Neymar’s first goal with a sensational run that started in his own half. He burst past a pair of PSG players before hitting a perfect through ball to Neymar, who rounded Salvatore Sirigu and scored a tap-in.

Neymar posted his second of the night 20 minutes later, and once again, the assist was spectacular. This time, Dani Alves set it up with a couple of stepovers and an impressive cross that Neymar headed in.

Very little happened in the second half, as both teams went through the motions. PSG were a bit better, but never really looked like scoring.

Goals: Neymar (14’, 34’)

Paris Saint-Germain: Sirigu, Maxwell, Luiz, Marquinhos, van der Wiel, Matuidi (Rabiot 80’), Verratti, Cabaye (Lucas 66’), Pastore, Ibrahimovic, Cavani (Lavezzi 80’)

Goals: None.

1. Neymar is really good - Lionel Messi is the best player in the world and Luis Suarez had scored 14 goals in 15 games coming into this game, but don’t forget about Neymar, who’s probably a top-five player on earth in his own right. Both of his goals in this game were great, and they were different. He keeps getting better and it’s terrifying for non-Barca fans.

2. Playing unfit players is dumb - David Luiz is a good defender. David Luiz has not been fit for either game and he’s played anyway. David Luiz has been made to look like a complete moron. This was a bad decision by Laurent Blanc.

3. PSG haven’t ascended to the next level yet - There’s a top tier of teams occupied by Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona, with honorary member Atlético Madrid for their specific knockout competition prowess. Then there’s a second tier of five to 10 excellent teams who can upset great sides on their day, but probably can’t win Champions League. PSG are in that second tier for the third straight season, and don’t look like they’ll soon crack the first.