FC Barcelona played inarguably the most difficult of their UEFA Champions League League Phase games last night as they visited Paris to face Paris Saint-Germain. The Blaugranes suffered a 4-2 defeat in this game and thus saw their winning run at the start of this season come to an end.
However, the Catalans still put on quite a convincing display in this match, as they were able to equalize twice after getting behind on the scoresheet. The first of their goals came from quite an unexpected source, [scored by the young fullback Xavi Espart](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/joan-garcia-9-5-gordon-5-5-psg-4-2-fc-barcelona-player-ratings/).
In normal conditions, the youngster might not even have played in such a big game. However, the physical problems suffered by Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde against Sevilla pushed Flick to bet on Espart, and the young fullback did not disappoint on the biggest stage.
As [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261020/1004241253/reacciones-gerard-martin-bernal-espart-cabeza-alta-aprender-futuro.html) has reported, the La Masia graduate also talked to the media after the match. The youngster was not too hurt by the defeat, and saw it as a learning experience:
**“We knew it was going to be a very demanding match. They have a great team, but we have to take the positives from it. We gave 100% and small details decided the match. It’s a good opportunity for us to see what we need to improve and continue growing.”**
Despite his goal and the individual achievement it signified, Espart had mixed feelings after the game:
**“On an individual level, it’s a bit bittersweet because the team’s victory comes first, but I’m very happy to have scored my first Champions League goal. Overall, it’s bittersweet because I would have liked to come away with the win, but I’ll take the positives from what I did and what the team did, and we’re focused on Sunday.”**
Despite the defeat, this game can turn out to be important for Xavi Espart, as he made a very good case for increased prominence in Hansi Flick’s plans going forward. For now, it remains to be seen whether he will play in El Clasico, or whether one of the more established players will return to take his place in the Barcelona lineup.