MX23RW : Thursday, February 18 00:26:01| >> :120:37278:37278:

Result: Barcelona rally to defeat Paris Saint-Germain

Strikes from Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez fire Barcelona to a 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain to confirm their place as winners of Group F.

Barcelona secured their place as winners of Group F as they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in their Champions League match at Camp Nou this evening.

Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match against PSG on December 10, 2014© Getty Images

The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute of the game as Lucas Moura managed to thread a pass to the feet of Blaise Matuidi inside the box, who then teed up Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the striker fired a left-footed volley past Marc Andre ter Stegen into the bottom corner.

Paris Saint-Germain's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match against FC Barcelona on December 10, 2014© Getty Images

Barcelona hit back immediately as Luis Suarez chased down a long ball over the top of the PSG defence, and he put a low ball across the face of goal. Lionel Messi was on hand to slide in with a finish to bring his side level.

Lucas should have fired his side back in front when he latched on to a cross at the near post from Matuidi as the striker got in front of Marc Barta, but he could only direct his first-time shot wide of the post.

Laurent Blanc's side were able to break behind the Barcelona defence when Ibrahimovic found himself unmarked down the right. The Swede lofted a cross to the back post for Edinson Cavani, but his strike was well saved by Ter Stegen.

The home side came close to nipping in front when a loose ball from a Pedro cross fell to Suarez in the penalty area, but Salvatore Sirigu beat his effort away with a fine reaction stop.

However, Luis Enrique's men edged ahead when Neymar raided forward with the ball unchallenged and unleashed a powerful strike at goal from 25 yards, which sailed past Sirigu and nestled into the bottom corner.

In the second half, PSG had an excellent chance to restore parity when Lucas weaved his way past Jeremy Mathieu down the right and fired a low cross into the six-yard box.

The home side didn't clear their lines and Cavani swung a foot at the ball, but his effort was blocked on the line by Bartra, while the rebound fell to Matuidi and he failed to sort his feet out before Bartra nipped in again to clear.

The pace of the game dropped for a large period of the second half as both teams appeared to be devoid of ideas in the final third of the pitch, as they were often let down by the poor decisive pass.

Barcelona scored their third of the evening to secure their win as they moved the ball quickly across the box to Neymar on the left, who saw his powerful strike at goal well saved by Sirigu, but Suarez was on hand to fire home the rebound.

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Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar celebrates his goal during the 49th Joan Gamper Trophy football match FC Barcelona vs Leon Club on August 18, 2014
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico22174145143155
2Real Madrid23154441192249
3Barcelona22144449212846
4Sevilla22143532161645
5Real Sociedad23108537201738
6Villarreal2381233224836
7Real Betis23103103138-733
8Granada238692738-1130
9Celta Vigo237882934-529
10Athletic Bilbao2284103226628
11Levante2361073233-128
12Osasuna2367102231-925
13Getafe2366111729-1224
14Valencia235992832-424
15CadizCadiz2366112039-1924
16AlavesAlaves2357112034-1422
17EibarEibar2349101926-721
18Real Valladolid2349102234-1221
19ElcheElche213991931-1218
20Huesca23210111833-1516

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