PSG star Rafinha admits people at the club are STILL ‘bothered’ by dramatic 6-1 defeat by Barcelona in 2017 as they gear up for Champions League revenge in their last-16 encounter
- PSG were humiliated in 2017 after crashing out of the Champions League last-16
- Despite beating Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg, the Ligue 1 club were dumped out
- Barcelona fought back at the Nou Camp to make European history with a 6-1 win
- Rafinha has now admitted some people at PSG remain bothered by the knockout
PSG midfielder Rafinha has admitted that some people at the club are still reeling from their jaw-dropping Champions League elimination by Barcelona in 2017.
The Ligue 1 champions clinched a 4-0 victory in the first leg of their last-16 tie, but were dumped out of the competition in stunning fashion when Barcelona won 6-1 at the Nou Camp to progress on aggregate.
The two powerhouses will now renew their rivalry at the same stage tonight, and Rafinha has revealed all on the disappointment that lingers in the French capital.
Barcelona fought back from a 4-0 loss in the first leg of their Champions League tie with PSG to progress with a 6-1 home win in March 2017 – here Sergi Roberto celebrates scoring
PSG star Rafinha claims the club are still reeling from that dramatic loss to Barcelona
He told Le Parisien: ‘What club would not have suffered after that comeback?
‘We are lucky that now we have the opportunity to make up for that, to play a great game and to remove this thorn, which still bothers some here in Paris.’
Barcelona’s memorable comeback saw them make Champions League history – with their heroics marking the first time any team has overturned a first-leg 4-0 deficit.
The Blaugrana scored three late goals, all in the last seven minutes of the game, with Sergi Roberto sealing the win in the 95th minute with a close-range finish.
Rafinha and PSG superstar Neymar were both sporting Barcelona’s jersey for the two goal-laden clashes four years ago – but are now team-mates in France.
And the former has also shared his gratitude for his time at the Nou Camp, crediting it as having taught him plenty.
‘They gave me everything,’ he added. ‘I learned almost everything at their training centre. I remember that time in my life fondly.
Neymar (R) played for Barcelona on that occasion but will now miss out on the clash with PSG
Rafinha, who also played for Barcelona, has paid tribute to the club for having taught him lots
‘I grew up in Barcelona, I lived there for 13 years and I feel Catalan.
‘I learned about being a footballer with Barca but also about being a person in this city. For me, Barca will always be special.’
Neymar will miss out on PSG’s chance for revenge, however, having sustained a groin injury against Caen that will rule him out for around a month.
