Paris Saint-Germain is just out here doing what they do, continuing their absolute dominant start to their UEFA Champions League defense by crushing Barcelona 4-2 on Tuesday night at the Parc des Princes. This wasn’t some fluke, either. It’s the second time in a week Luis Enrique’s squad has put four goals past a rival, having done the same to Manchester City last week. Barcelona was touted as their closest competitor in this year’s Champions League, but PSG simply didn’t care.
Lucas Hernandez Just Pulled a Shocking Redemption Arc
Remember this summer when everyone was scratching their heads about PSG keeping Lucas Hernandez? Nuno Mendes is the clear first-choice, Warren Zaire-Emery can step in, and they even re-signed Lucas Digne, who had started for France at the World Cup. Hernandez looked like a third or even fourth option, a guy who wanted a role for Les Bleus in North America, but now? Digne has been a total dud since coming back to PSG, and Hernandez is straight-up benefiting. Luis Enrique’s decision to start Hernandez over Digne was a curveball, for sure. But man, did it pay off! He mostly silenced Lamine Yamal, frustrating the world champion all night long. Yeah, he had one hiccup, letting Xavi Espart blast past him and score on Matvey Safonov, but he completely made up for it with a headed finish. He got a standing ovation when Zaire-Emery came in for him, and get this: Yamal immediately beat Zaire-Emery and scored at Safonov’s near post on their first duel. Just imagine Hernandez sitting on the bench, watching, knowing he’d shut that guy down. What a turnaround!
DD Day: Doué Is Becoming PSG’s Go-To Guy
With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé potentially heading to the sidelines with injuries, you’d think that’s why Désiré Doué might lead this PSG attack. But no, that’s not the only reason. This kid, who is still only 21, had a breakout year in 2025, but 2026 was a bit up and down with form and fitness. Well, forget all that, because he has been consistently brilliant so far this season. He’s popping up all over the attacking line, left, right, middle, it doesn’t matter, he’s effective everywhere. He still has that showman flash with his footwork, which is awesome to watch, but now he’s adding efficiency and effectiveness to the mix. Goalkeepers are absolutely struggling with his signature dragged finish. No PSG forward has started more games than Doué this season, which is telling. It’s a huge sign that he’s becoming Luis Enrique’s main man, and honestly, the France international keeps proving the Spaniard right with every game.
The Medical Department Is Back Under the Microscope
So, Dembélé, the Ballon d’Or winner, apparently skipped out on the Le Mans FC match recently and Luis Enrique joked about him being on “holiday” last week. Dembélé even quipped, “After the international break, I went on holiday. In fact, I might just ask for…” Yeah, the quote cuts off, but it still makes you wonder, right? He did return with aplomb against Manchester City, so he obviously shook off the “holiday” rust quickly. Still, with both Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia leaving this Barcelona match injured, the spotlight is definitely back on what’s going on behind the scenes at PSG’s medical department.
PSG is flying high, dismantling their toughest Champions League rival with style. They’re showing everyone they mean business in their title defense. The way they are playing, they are going to be a force for the rest of this competition.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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