Nuno Mendes: 'PSG's patched-up lineup still performs at the highest level'

Following the 2-1 win against Barca, Nuno Mendes believes that even with a patched-up lineup missing several main players, PSG showed the highest level of performance.

Not only did he tightly mark Lamine Yamal, Barca's brightest young talent, Mendes also directly contributed to the equalizer with a wing run that led to Senny Mayulu’s goal in the 38th minute. This performance was even more impressive given PSG's numerous injuries to key players.

After the match, Nuno Mendes proudly told the press: “We have many injured players, but those who came on did a fantastic job. The whole team showed true work ethic and tactical discipline. Even with many absences, I think today we demonstrated our best version of ourselves.”

According to Sofascore, the Portuguese defender contributed an assist leading to PSG’s equalizer in the first half, achieving an expected assist (xA) of 0.45, the highest in the match. Mendes created 2 clear chances, made 4 key passes, completed 93% of his passes with 40 out of 43 successful, and touched the ball 73 times. Defensively, he made 3 successful tackles, 1 clearance, and blocked an opponent’s shot. He engaged in 16 duels, winning 6, and was dribbled past only once throughout the game.

His wing run before assisting the equalizer not only turned the match around but also proved why Hakimi calls Mendes “the best left-back in the world right now.” This all-around performance explains why he was named Man of the Match, ahead of players like Ramos, Hakimi, and Ferran Torres.

This victory makes PSG the first team in history to win three consecutive matches at Barcelona’s home ground in European cups. Meanwhile, Barca’s five-game winning streak across all competitions ended.

Despite facing pressure multiple times in the first half, PSG showed the resilience of true champions by rising at the right moment. Hakimi assisted the decisive 2-1 goal in the 90th minute for Gonçalo Ramos, completing the comeback on Spanish soil.

According to the schedule, PSG will face Bayer Leverkusen on October 22 in the next group stage match of the Champions League.

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