Paris Saint-Germain have sent a warning to their European rivals by defeating Barcelona 3-2 at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night.
Despite the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Laurent Blanc's French champions enjoyed more of the attacking play at home and it their notion to go at the Barca defence paid dividends as they thrice beat visiting keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The opening goal came inside 10 minutes when summer signing David Luiz fired home from inside the area with his left foot after he controlled a free-kick from Lucas Moura. It was the Brazilian's first goal for his new club.
But PSG enjoyed their lead for less than two minutes as Lionel Messi played a fine give-and-go with Andres Iniesta resulting a clinical finish from the Argentine which took him level with Cristiano Ronaldo's 68 Champions League goals and three behind Raul's record of 71.
Less than 15 minutes, however, and the French giants were back in front thanks to Marco Verratti's back post header from Thiago Motta's inswinging corner.
Barcelona desperately needed to get back into the contest after the break but Luis Enrique only saw his side fall further behind when Blaise Matuidi side-footed home a lovely low cross from Gregory van der Wiel.
Moments later, Barcelona pulled one back when Neymar scored in fine fashion when controlling and then quickly volleying past Salvatore Sirigu.
It was all set up for Barcelona to come home over the top of PSG and they almost snatched an equaliser with five minutes remaining only for Munir El Haddadi's effort to cannon into the woodwork.
In the end, though, it was a deserved win for Blanc's PSG who forced Barcelona to concede their first goals of the season. The win allowed the Parisians to go clear on top of the Group F table on four points, one ahead of Barcelona, with Ajax and APOEL Nicosia - who drew 1-1 in Cyprus - next on two and on point respectively.
However, there was a small highlight for Barcelona on the night with Xavi Hernandez coming off the bench in the second half for his 143rd appearance, breaking Raul's previous Champions League record.
2014/15 UEFA Champions League - Group F
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA): 3 (David Luiz 10', Marco Verratti 26', Blaise Matuidi 54') Barcelona (SPN): 2 (Lionel Messi 12', Neymar 56')
Parc des Princes, Paris, France - 48,000
