Hits and Misses from the PSV-Barcelona game

Hits #2: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Ter Stegen continued to prove his importance

As mentioned earlier, Barcelona can thank two factors alone, for not conceding more than a goal early on in the game. One is Lady Fortune, and the other is Ter Stegen. The German shot-stopper really proved how essential he is, in Barcelona's defense setup. He saved a de Jong freekick in the first few minutes and went on to make another save before the ten-minutes mark kicked in. He saved a third attempt in the 23rd minute as well.

Altogether in the game, the goalkeeper saved nine inbound shots, out of which three were direct threats to goal. Amidst a wavering Barcelona defense, Ter Stegen became the mountain that the hosts couldn't overcome. They had to wait until the 82nd minute when they scored one back finally, but that did not do much to Barca's winning chances in the game.

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Hits #3: Ousmane Dembele

Dembele put on a great display against PSV

Dembele proved yet again, as to why he could be an integral part of the Barca setup in future. The absence of injured Luiz Suarez made Ernesto Valverde play Messi as center-forward, which in turn resulted in the youngster being thrust into the Right Wing duties. It would not be an understatement to say he played his role to the dot.

After the few initial scares, the game titled to Barca's favour with the start of Dembele's earliest of the many fiery runs he completed during the course of the contest. His daunting speed helped him overcome and the PSV defenders and create inroads into the attacking third, with Messi or Coutinho finding themselves at the receiving end of many chances. By the end of the 45th minute, Barca had more shots made than the hosts, and Dembele played a major part in it.