Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says Tuesday's win against Barcelona is a sign that PSG can compete with Europe's elite clubs for the Champions League title.
PSG's Qatari owners, QSI, have pumped hundreds of millions of euros into the club since taking over in June 2011 in a bid to join teams like Barcelona by winning football's most coveted club trophy.
Two season ago, PSG held Barca to 2-2 and 1-1 draws in the quarterfinals, only to go out on away goals. The same happened in last year's quarters against Chelsea, with a 3-1 home win followed by a 2-0 defeat.
But with a 3-2 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday, Blanc says times are starting to change.
"The new owners are starting to build a European club with a lot of ambition and we're giving positive signs because we can compete against recent winners of the Champions League," said PSG coach Laurent Blanc, who was under pressure after six draws in nine games.
"The Champions League is about having that consistency, but let's wait and see what happens from now on."
Although PSG were missing top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic because of a heel injury, the forward line of South American stars Lucas, Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore finally looked like a combination worth its hefty price tag.
"Perhaps we were too reliant on Ibra,'' Blanc said. "It's a good thing for the team that they played very well without him."
Pastore, in particular, was in inspired form with his elegant runs, lightning-quick feet and wonderfully weighted passes.
Blanc hugged Pastore when he came off, and the relief was evident as the players raised their arms at the final whistle.
"When he's confident like tonight, he's capable of great performances," Blanc said.
Maxwell said Barcelona provided a test bigger than PSG normally see in Ligue 1.
"For us, in the French league, it is difficult because we do not have clubs at the same level as Barcelona," the left-back said. "But tonight, we showed that we can compete with those sides. We will keep our feet on the ground though, we still have a lot to achieve this season."
David Luiz got the nonstop action started with a goal in the 10th minute, but he also realised PSG still have a ways to go in the Champions League this season.
"What a game! I think that it was fantastic for everyone watching," he said. "This is the Champions League, big matches, plenty of emotion and the fans created a superb atmosphere. This victory is for them.
"At the end of the day, it is just one victory. Of course we will celebrate it, but we must keep our feet on the ground. We know that if we want to win the Champions League and other cups then we need to improve game by game and day by day at training."
PSG lead the group with four points, followed by Barcelona on three. Ajax and APOEL drew 1-1 in the other Group F game.
"It's the best win of my life," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.