Audio By Carbonatix
Marco Verratti said Barca thought they were headed for the exit door before Wednesday's staggering comeback.
Shell-shocked Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti revealed Barcelona players told him the match was over before the Spaniards produced the greatest comeback in Champions League history.
Leading 4-0 prior to Wednesday's return leg in the last 16, PSG suffered a humiliating defeat as they were eliminated 6-5 on aggregate following a 6-1 loss at Camp Nou.
Despite trailing 3-1 on the night after Edinson Cavani's 62nd-minute volley, PSG were still in the box seat to advance to the quarter-finals thanks to the priceless away goal, with Barca needing three goals to overhaul the French champions.
But PSG were forced to watch on helplessly as Barca scored three unanswered goals from the 88th minute - Sergi Roberto netting the 95th-minute winner - and Verratti said the Spaniards thought they were headed for the exit door before their staggering fightback.
"With Cavani's goal, we gained some peace," Verratti said via L'Equipe. "I then spoke to the players of the Barca, they told me that it was finished.
"Take three goals in seven minutes, I cannot find an explanation, it's football.
"This is a game I will never forget. I hope it will serve as a lesson to everyone."
Verratti continued: "The qualification of Barca is deserved. It was difficult to play, to make passes. They pressed too much in the first period. In the second, we got to play better.
"Now we're going to have a hard time. There will be others.
"We must find the strength to raise our heads. You have to be men. We are all sad. We lost 6-1, it's not because of the referee. We are primarily responsible."
Latest Stories
-
NPP members oppose resumption of Asante Mampong polling station elections
15 minutes -
Educators, traditional leaders call for stronger link between humanities and skills development
17 minutes -
Severe rainstorm wreaks havoc at Adaklu Kodzobi Ando
18 minutes -
Hundreds arrested and dozens of police injured after Champions League riots in France
24 minutes -
AMECO launches 80th anniversary with a focus on infrastructure development
28 minutes -
Health Ministry receives pulse oximeter donation to support Free Primary Healthcare initiative
31 minutes -
Will controlling hostel rents solve the accommodation challenges on our campuses?
46 minutes -
2026 U17 WWCQ: Black Maidens to face Senegal in final round
1 hour -
McDan graces Hitz Rep Ur Jersey at Aviation Social Centre, makes commentary debut in UCL final
3 hours -
Damang Gold Mine invests $250 million in mining equipment
3 hours -
Richard Ankomah beats competition to win Hitz FM Rep Ur Jersey 2026 Quiz
4 hours -
Afriyie Wutah marks birthday with ‘Summer Jam’ featuring Maxi Priest
5 hours -
AngloGold Ashanti trains Obuasi SMEs in digital marketing to boost business growth
5 hours -
Takoradi Port to serve as main corridor for cargo going to Sahel region – Finance Minister
5 hours -
The Shadow Squad: Who really picks Ghana’s Black Stars?
6 hours