Advantage Barcelona as Messi scores brace

A brace from Lionel Messi gave Barcelona a 2-0 victory at Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

The Gunners looked good on the counter attack and had two decent chances in the 22nd minute. Mesut Ozil layed the ball up for Bellerin but his shot was blocked before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s strike was blocked.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech made a great save just before the interval. Neymar and Messi combined to set up Luis Suarez who sent a shot towards the bottom corner, but Cech made the stop.

Suarez then missed a top opportunity on the stroke of half-time. Andres Iniesta found Dani Alves who crossed towards the front post, but Suarez’s headed effort was glanced just wide of the far stick.

Cech was called upon again a few minutes into the second half. Neymar pierced the Arsenal defence and found himself one-on-one with the gloveman, but couldn’t find a way past his big frame.

At the other end of the pitch it was Ter Stegen who was required to keep the scoreline at 0-0. Olivier Giroud bulleted a header on target but the Barca goalkeeper made a terrific low save.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 71st minute as Neymar countered with great pace on the left, drawing two defenders before squareing for Messi to finish with ease.

In the 82nd minute the visitors took full control of the tie as Mathieu Flamini gave away a penalty with a poor tackle on Messi. The Argentine stepped up and slotted the spot kick with great composure to double the lead.