“If you’re the best, you have to show it on the pitch” - PSG star hits back at comments from Yamal, Pedri after win vs Barcelona

PSG striker Goncalo Ramos sent a sharp response to Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri after the Ligue 1 giants secured a 2-1 victory in their Champions League clash at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.

Yamal and Pedri were in a bullish mood ahead of the highly anticipated encounter. Yamal posted a somewhat teasing message on his Instagram Story, in which he was seen sitting on a railing and wearing the Spain jersey.

"Pressure?" he captioned the post.

In another post, the young winger doubled down on his assured stance, writing:

"I'm back and the mission is back too."

Pedri echoed the same confident narrative. In a news conference ahead of the game, the midfielder emphasized Barcelona's desire to 'avenge' their defeat to PSG in the 2024 Champions League quarterfinals.

"It was a tough game and we want to avenge that defeat," he said.

However, both players were made to eat humble pie, with PSG fighting back from a goal down to secure the victory. When asked about Pedri and Yamal's comments, Ramos, who scored the winning goal, responded:

"We're the European champions, I can't say more than that. If you're the best, you have to show it on the pitch, not talk."

PSG midfielder Vitinha shared the same perception:

“It happens sometimes. There are often statements made before matches, and it can happen. We don't give a damn. We don't care, we just want to play the match, we won, and we're happy about that.”

He also praised his teammates for their resilience and fight in a game where they were missing several first-team players:

"It's incredible, I'm proud of this team because it's happened several times before to turn the result around. You have five players who normally start who aren't there, you have some kids who play, others who come on very well. Other players who play less often came on and gave a great response.

"We were behind against one of the best teams in Europe away from home, and even then, you manage to come through in the second half and turn the game around. It's a great statement from our team. I want to thank all my team-mates."

The result left Barcelona in 16th position with three points, while PSG are in 3rd with six.

"We deserved the win" — Luis Enrique on PSG's win against Barcelona

PSG boss Luis Enrique was delighted with his team's showing after picking up a win on his return to his former club. Enrique said PSG were the better team in the second half and deserved to come away with all three points.

"We played well," he told Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus. "It was difficult at the beginning. They (Barcelona) have a lot of quality players. The first 20 minutes were tough, and we made mistakes. In the second half, we were better, and we deserved the win.

"I'm happy because the problems don't matter. It's an important victory. Playing against Barca is always difficult. This result is important for our confidence."

Barca will next be in action against Sevilla in LaLiga, while the Parisians will take on Lille in Ligue 1.