Fabian Ruiz seals PSG's 4-2 demolition of Barcelona in Champions League showdown

Paris Saint-Germain dismantled Barcelona 4-2 at the Parc des Princes in a Champions League clash that twice threatened to slip away from the French side before Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz struck late to seal a commanding win.

Desire Doue gave PSG an early lead with a brilliant finish, but Barcelona refused to fold. Xavi Esparti pulled one back to level the scores, and when Lamine Yamal conjured another moment of individual brilliance to equalise in the 79th minute, the tie was suddenly in the balance. PSG responded immediately — Vitinha restored the lead just two minutes later, and Ruiz ended the contest by converting Achraf Hakimi’s cross to make it four.

It was Ruiz’s contribution that drew the most attention after the final whistle. The Spanish midfielder, who arrived at this season having been a key figure alongside Rodri in Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign, earned effusive praise for his understated but consistent influence.

“He could be the most underrated player of all time, Fabian Ruiz,” said pundit Joe Cole. “He’s won everything in the game, Champions League, does his job, and what I would say is they look a stronger side with him in.”

PSG winger Doue was equally buoyant after the final whistle, reflecting on the atmosphere and the significance of the result against one of Europe’s elite clubs.

“The atmosphere was crazy tonight,” Doue said. “We did a great job because we won obviously but we’re really happy with the content of the match. We did some amazing things, we never quit and when you win against one of the biggest teams in Europe you are really happy.”

The victory reinforces PSG’s status as a genuine force in this season’s Champions League, with the holders showing the resilience to respond each time Barcelona threatened a comeback. Ruiz’s role — efficient, intelligent, and decisive — continues to go somewhat unheralded despite his growing trophy cabinet and consistent performances at the highest level.

PSG’s attention now turns to Ligue 1, where they face leaders Lyon this weekend in a domestic contest that carries its own urgency — Lyon currently sit above PSG on goal difference at the top of the table.