Paris: Paris Saint-Germain fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Barcelona only to lose 4-1 on penalties in a pre-season friendly at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Rafinha opened for the Spaniards after seven minutes, before penalties in either half were converted by Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (53) and PSG’s most recent signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic (60).
PSG’s Zoumana Camara netted with nine minutes to go to send the game to penalties.
In the shootout, Barca went 3-0 clear after PSG missed both of their early kicks before Sylvain Armand reduced the deficit for the French, but Gerard Pique netted the winner for the visitors.
Nevertheless PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was satisfied with his side’s performance against the La Liga runners-up.
“We showed good physical form, with good intensity during the match,” said the Italian, whose side were Ligue 1 runners-up last season.
“I had hoped that we would have had more confidence with the ball and more combinations but it’s normal, there were new players and we’re still looking to gel.
“[Ibrahimovic] played well, like all the players. He did a good job. It’s not easy to play against Barcelona. It was an important test of our qualities against a strong team and we put in a good showing. We’re ready to start the season.”
A delighted crowd chanted “Ibra! Ibra!” every time the 30-year-old Swede got a touch on the ball, with his penalty on his first outing in Parc des Princes ensuring he has scored two goals in as many matches for his new club after his third-minute goal against DC United.
Reserve team players Rafinha and Sergi Roberto replaced Barcelona stalwarts Xavi and Andres Iniesta as the Catalans largely dominated play with the Parisians failing to take advantage of the chances they had.
An effort from another new PSG recruit Ezequiel Lavezzi after 39 minutes was off target as were two quickfire attempts from France international striker Peguy Luyindula which were kept out by Jose Manuel Pinto in goal with ten minutes to go.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti confirmed after the match that 28-year-old defender Christophe Jallet had been selected as team captain for the season.
