Barcelona president and coach want squad to avoid euphoria after PSG win

Barcelona registered their first Champions League win over a bonafide European giant last night with a 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain. The fact that they secured the result at Parc des Princes only made the memory sweeter.

The team showed great resilience and composure on the night to earn the result, especially considering that they had to fight back after PSG’s stunning comeback early in the second half.

They now head home with a one-goal cushion and will host the French side next week in the decisive second leg.

The common understanding

As revealed by SPORT, Joan Laporta met with Xavi immediately after the full-time whistle to congratulate him on the result.

However, there was no overt show of emotion or satisfaction, for the manager and president shared a common understanding.

Laporta and Xavi both agree that the team must not be overjoyed with the win and must avoid any sense of euphoria.

Xavi focused on the second leg vs PSG. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

The message is for everyone to keep their feet grounded. After all, the difference is just one goal and the game at Montjuïc will be far from easy.

Xavi and his staff transmit the same idea to the dressing room, and it appears generally accepted at this point that the team has not yet accomplished the goal.

They are aware that the first step has gone in their direction, but another 90 minutes stand between them and a place in the semifinal. Nothing is written in stone.

A challenging fixture

Looking ahead to the return fixture to be played in Catalonia next week, PSG will have an added weapon in their arsenal – Achraf Hakimi, who will look to turn up the heat down Barcelona’s left flank.

Considering the Moroccan star’s return and the must-win situation of the game, one can be assured that Kylian Mbappe and Co will not go down without a firm battle. After all, Xavi even stated the same in his post-match press conference.

“PSG are still the favourite. It will be very difficult to win in Barcelona,” the Catalan coach said after the game.