Ivorian-heritage winger Désiré Doué lit up Paris as the Champions League holders outlasted Barcelona in a wild six-goal thriller.
Désiré Doué, the Paris-born winger of Ivorian heritage, produced a goal worth the ticket price on its own as Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona in a breathless Champions League night at the Parc des Princes. The holders showed once again that their young, fearless attackers are not intimidated by Europe's biggest names.
Doué was one of three players to score a superb individual goal in a game that rarely slowed down. Vitinha added his own moment of quality for the hosts, while Lamine Yamal answered for Barcelona with a finish that reminded everyone why he is already one of the most talked-about talents in world football. Yamal's roots run through Morocco and Equatorial Guinea, so Africa's influence was on show at both ends of the pitch.
Six goals meant plenty of drama. Barcelona's attackers kept finding ways to threaten, but PSG had the sharper edge, the louder crowd and the confidence of a team that knows how to win big knockout-style nights. Each time the visitors pushed back, the Parisians had an answer.
For Doué, this was another sign that his rise is real. Playing on one of Europe's biggest stages against a Barcelona side full of stars, the young winger played with the freedom and sharpness that has made him a favourite with PSG fans. Across Côte d'Ivoire and the wider African football community, those watching will be hoping for plenty more nights like this.
