PARIS :Paris St Germain’s 2-1 victory at Barcelona on Wednesday bore all the hallmarks of a statement win as the Champions League holders leaned on a blend of academy graduates, fringe players and established names to show their depth.

The French champions travelled to Spain shorn of several key players, with Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Joao Neves all sidelined.

"I want to feel our DNA as a team and as a club,” coach Luis Enrique said. “Whatever the players, whatever the problems, we are here, like the supporters."

After an early Barca opener from Ferran Torres, PSG’s response came from unlikely sources, Senny Mayulu – a 19-year-old midfielder pressed into service as a centre forward – grabbing the equaliser before the break.

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