Arsenal Blog Arsenal 1 Barcelona 4 - Dream Over

Well not a great day for Arsenal fans. So much was expected in this return leg but then deep inside we all knew what was lying in store for us at Nou Camp. Barcelona started the proceedings in the same manner they did against us in the first leg at Emirates. All half chances went their way for the first 15 minutes & they did have 85% possesion untill then. Messi showed glimses of what was to follow with his first real effort on goal from the left hand side just missed the target, Almunia did well to get a hand on this. His second effort was a curling shot from the center which just ended above the net. Inspite the fact that he was given very less time on both these occassions, he managed to hit his shots with great power and precision which is a sign of a great footballer.

Just when things were appearing gloomy for us, we managed to get the first goal against the run of play. Diaby after winning the ball in the midfield, beautifully passed it down the right to Walcott whose pace got him behind Abidal. He galloped passed the defenders and passed it to Bendtner in the center. Bendtner's initial effort was parried away by Valdes however he followed up well with a rebound.

This was our big moment and unlike big teams who would have consolidated after getting the 1st goal we immidiately lost focus. Silvestre, in the side instead of Sol Campbell who was not fully fit, failed to clear the ball on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area and Messi needed no second invitation, lashing his shot into the top right corner.

Messi continued to dazzle Arsenal as he collected the ball on the right touchline before weaving into the box and drilling a shot into the side netting. Inability of our defenders to clear the ball was again at core when Abidals cross from left was not dealt with at first place which eventually resulted in Messi's 2nd goal.

Messi completed his hat-trick in 42nd minute when he latched onto a header from Abidal to race clear before dispatching a brilliant chip over the Arsenal keeper. It was half time and score read 3-1 and all Arsenals hope were put to an end by a virtuoso display by the Argentinian.

In 2nd half we had no options but to attack which left open gaps in the back. On one occasion Clichys cross from the left did find Bendtner in the center and his header did hit the post however flag was up against the Dane. He had one more good oppurtunity when Diaby passed the ball to him however his first touch let him down and he was immidiately hustled out of possesion.

Just minutes before time, Messi completed the formalities by getting his 4th goal of the night.
Eboeue got caught out of position and Messi capitilised by picking the ball up, he beat the challenge of Vermaelen. His initial shot was saved by Almunia however Messi had a second bite with a rebound shot from a close range which went between Almunias leg.

Arsenal v Barcelona 2nd Leg highlights:

http://justarsenal.com/barcelona-v-arsenal-highlights-the-messi-show/3554


Post Match Analysis & more to follow tomorrow....