PSG’s Navas revels in Messi penalty save, Griezmann pleased despite Barcelona defeat

PARIS Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kaylor Navas admitted that it was not easy for his side to advance past Barcelona into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. 

The French champions won 5-2 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Paris in Wednesday night’s second leg, but they relied heavily on their Costa Rica goalkeeper. 

The man of the match pulled off a string of big saves, including stopping a penalty from Lionel Messi that would have given Barcelona the lead just before half-time. “

I’m very happy because it was a difficult match,” Navas, who made nine saves during the clash, said post-match. 

“We all wanted to play a great game and make the most of the first leg to qualify.

“It’s always difficult to save a penalty – especially against Messi. It was a really great game from Barça. They pressed us the maximum possible. 

“We’re very motivated to continue in this competition and with this same spirit. That’s what will help us improve to go far.” 

PSG scored first through a Kylian Mbappe penalty, which made the Frenchman at 22 years and 80 days the youngest player ever to score 25 UEFA Champions League goals, taking the record from Messi (22 years and 286 days). 

Barcelona were dominant and missed a string of clear chances.

They equalised via a stunning long-range effort from Messi but could not add to the one goal. 

PSG captain for the night Marquinhos confessed the team had a torrid time. 

He said: “It was a difficult match. We knew the context would be different compared to the first leg.  

“Since that game, Barça have been playing better. They had the courage to press very high and make it difficult for us to get the ball forward.  

“You have to be able to cope. We were able to do that with the help of our great goalkeeper, who made the difference.  

“We were better in the second half and we deserve this qualification.” 

Despite their ouster, Barcelona put up an impressive display and the outcome might have been different if they had more composure in front of goal. 

Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann sounded pleased with his side’s showing in Paris after an abject performance in Spain three weeks earlier. 

“We’ve left a good impression here after a terrific performance,” the France international said. 

“We had lots of goal chances, particularly in the first half, but we just didn’t score them. I’d say there were four clear-cut opportunities plus the penalty.  

“If you don’t put them away it’s harder later in the game. Nevertheless, it was a completely different contest than the first leg.” 

It was the first time in 14 years that Barcelona have been eliminated in the Champions League round of 16, and the first time since 2005 that neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will reach the competition’s quarter-finals.