Arsenal travelled to European champions Barcelona on Wednesday night looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League.
Barca's lead became 3-0 on aggregate when Neymar scored in the 18th minute at Camp Nou, but Mohamed Elneny's first Arsenal goal made it 1-1 on the night early in the second period.
Luis Suarez netted in the 65th minute for 2-1 Barcelona on the night though, before Lionel Messi registered late on to help the home side win the tie 5-1 on aggregate.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Arsenal for the second leg of their last-16 clash. Barca will enter as the firm favourites to progress following a 2-0 victory in the first leg last month and Arsenal have it all to do in Spain!
Arsenal actually played pretty well for long spells of the first leg on February 23, but a double from Lionel Messi in the second period saw Barcelona net two away goals and take control of the tie. In truth, it could have been three or four in the latter stages when the Spanish giants upped the tempo. Not many are giving Arsenal even a hint of chance of turning this one around tonight.
H2H! Barcelona have come out on top in both of their previous two-legged affairs with Arsenal. Before last month, the last time that the two sides met in the Champions League was during the 2010-11 season, when the Gunners lost 4-3 on aggregate. That year, Arsenal recorded a 2-1 victory in London, but lost 3-1 in this stadium, with Messi again scoring twice for the Catalan club.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from Camp Nou. Who have Luis Enrique and Arsene Wenger placed their faith in for this match? Let's see shall we...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Mathieu, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
ARSENAL: Ospina; Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal; Elneny, Flamini; Iwobi, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck
Gerard Pique misses out for Barcelona through suspension, which has opened up a spot at centre-back for Jeremy Mathieu, who starts alongside Javier Mascherano. Marc-Andre ter Stegen also replaces Claudio Bravo between the sticks as Luis Enrique selects his strongest available team. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar enter the match having netted 103 goals between them this season.
As for Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny has recovered from a calf problem to start at centre-back alongside Gabriel Paulista, leaving Per Mertesacker on the bench. Petr Cech's continued absence means another start for David Ospina in goal, but Wenger has made some big calls in the final third. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez both start, but there is also room for Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck, with Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott on the bench. Mathieu Flamini is also in the Gunners XI.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just under 40 minutes from kickoff on this cold evening in Barcelona. I shall talk about Arsenal a little bit later, but let's start with the home team, who extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 37 matches with a 6-0 win at home to Getafe in La Liga at the weekend. In truth, it was an absolute stroll in the park for Enrique's side.
Barcelona have won 18 of their last 19 games in all competitions and their incredible run since October has seen them win the Club World Cup, make the Copa del Rey final and open up an eight-point lead at the top of La Liga. It appears that they are destined for the league title and Copa crown, but who would bet against them making it back-to-back trebles? That would be just incredible!
Barcelona have also won the Champions League in four of the last 10 seasons and they are attempting to become the first team since AC Milan in 1989 and 1990 to win back-to-back European Cups. The fact that they have won 16 of their last 20 Champions League matches is an indication of the task facing Arsenal in Spain tonight and the Gunners are far from full strength.
What's more, Barcelona are in the knockout stage of this competition for the 12th consecutive season and have made at least the semi-finals in seven of their last eight campaigns. The only exception was in the 2013-14 season, when they were knocked out in the quarters by Atletico Madrid.
In terms of Barcelona's progress to this stage, they qualified as Group E winners after collecting 14 points from their six matches in the section. They did drop points in two of their three away matches, but were one of only two teams - the other being Real Madrid - to go through the group stage unbeaten. The Spanish giants are also on a nine-game winning run at home in this competition.
Everything seems to be against Arsenal tonight and the fact that Barcelona have progressed in 35 of the 37 European ties where they won the first leg away from home is another reason to back the home team. In addition, Barcelona's overall home record against English opposition is won 17, drawn 11 and lost two. Can I just say that the rain is still hammering it down in Barcelona tonight!
Alongside Real Madrid, Arsenal are actually one of only two teams to have reached the knockout stage of the Champions League every season since the new format formed in 2003-04. Progressing beyond this stage has been a real problem, however, and they have not made the quarter-finals since 2010. That disappointing record is more than likely going to continue.
In terms of their progression this season, Wenger's side managed to finish second in Group F behind Bayern Munich, despite losing three of their six group matches. They lost three of their first four matches in the section, but advanced courtesy of a 3-0 victory at Olympiacos on matchday six, which gave them a superior head-to-head record over the Greek team. Indeed, the revival also included an impressive 2-0 victory over Bayern. It was hard work, but they ultimately did enough.
Arsenal have also never overturned a home first-leg defeat in European competition and have not won in Spain since the 2005-06 season, when Thierry Henry netted in a 1-0 victory at Real Madrid. They have lost eight of their 13 away matches against Spanish opposition and have not beaten a La Liga team over two legs in a European tie since the 2008-09 season, when they overcame Villarreal in the quarters.
Arsenal will also enter this match having only won one of their last seven games in all competitions. They have fallen 11 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester City and are also now just three points ahead of fifth-place West Ham United. What's more, their FA Cup journey ended with a 2-1 defeat at home to Watford at the weekend. The pressure continues to build on Wenger!
Defeats have also arrived away to an understrength and youthful Manchester United and indeed at home to Swansea City at the start of the month. A number of Arsenal fans have called for Wenger to leave at the end of the season and their fixture list does not get easy easier as they travel to Everton in the league this weekend. Little over five minutes until kickoff in Barcelona tonight.
PREDICTION! In truth, I am finding it very, very difficult to make a case for Arsenal here. I think that the visitors will score, but I just cannot see them keeping Barcelona out down the other end. The hosts have a 2-0 aggregate lead and I expect them to win this second leg 3-1 or 4-1 tonight.
Just a reminder of the two teams for tonight...
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Mathieu, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
ARSENAL: Ospina; Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal; Elneny, Flamini; Iwobi, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck
KICKOFF! The stage is set at Camp Nou. It is Barcelona against Arsenal for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. It has been branded 'mission impossible' for Arsenal - can they upset the odds tonight? We shall see! It is the away side that get the first period underway here...
... not quite Barcelona weather tonight it must be said! It is still pouring down here! As expected, the home side are straight on the press here as they look to break Arsenal early on in Spain. Messi almost finds Iniesta with a lovely little pass, but it just gets away from the Spanish international.
Good stuff from Arsenal as Ozil finds Welbeck with a little pass inside the Barcelona box, but Mascherano is across to make a smart challenge. Early encouragement for the Gunners here.
Neymar has the chance to burst away down the right and the Brazilian attempts to drive past Flamini, but his final touch is just too strong and Arsenal have a goal kick. Well, the visitors can be pretty pleased with their start here as Sanchez finds time and space down the right of the park.
A little bit sloppy from Barcelona in the last couple of minutes as they continue to hand the ball back to Arsenal, who are enjoying this zippy surface. Good start from the Gunners in Spain.
Suarez is about a mile offside inside the Arsenal box, but the linesman's flag is very, very late!
CLOSE! Ozil drives to the edge of the Barcelona box before attempting to bend one into the far corner, but his effort is wide of the post! Iniesta had his pocket picked in midfield there!
It has not quite happened for Barcelona in the final third thus far, but there are just a few signs that the home team are warming to their task as they pass and probe outside the Arsenal box.
Fourteen minutes on the clock and it has been a very even game. Arsenal have had chances to cause problems in the final third, but have been a little sloppy with their choice of pass. The same can also be said for Barcelona, who have not really got things going in the Arsenal half thus far here.
Another shooting chance for Arsenal, but Elneny's strike was always moving wide of the post.
SAVE! Stunning save from Ospina as the Arsenal goalkeeper keeps out a close-range Messi strike after the Barcelona attacker had produced a stunning piece of control inside the box!
CHANCE! Free header for Mathieu, but his effort is high and wide!
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Arsenal (Neymar)
Barcelona make the breakthrough in the 18th minute as Suarez slips a super pass into Neymar, who settles inside the box before finding the bottom corner. It looked simple - it always does with them.
Arsenal need to be very, very careful as Barcelona continue to find pockets of space in the final third. The visitors manage to break forward with Sanchez, who finds Monreal, but the left-back's low cross is blocked by Rakitic, who had followed Monreal all the way. Super work from Rakitic.
Barcelona are playing the game at their own pace at the moment as they continue to move the ball from left to right, leaving Arsenal chasing shadows. It is going to be a very tough night for the Gunners.
Welbeck leaps high to challenge for an Ozil cross, but Mascherano and Mathieu just do enough to check the striker inside the box. Eventually the ball is worked into Flamini from a corner, but his effort was always rising high of the crossbar. Not a bad hit at all, but always too high of the goal.
Super work from Alba as the left-back ghosts past Bellerin before delivering low into the box, but Gabriel is across to make the clearance. In truth, one more Barcelona goal absolutely wraps up this tie and Arsenal are really struggling at the moment. The home side are relentless in their pressure.
SAVE! Ospina gets down to keep out a strike from Neymar as Arsenal continue to get opened up in defensive areas. The Gunners just need a period of sustained possession here.
BOOKING! Flamini (Arsenal) is booked for a late challenge on Iniesta.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Barcelona are purring here. Suarez flicks a pass into Messi, who winds up to shoot, but Gabriel is on hand to make the challenge. Arsenal just cannot get up the pitch at the moment and when they do, they just cannot keep the ball here.
PENALTY SHOUT! Big shout for Arsenal as Iwobi goes down inside the box under a challenge from Mascherano, but the referee is not interested. Good grief it looked one to me!
BOOKING! Gabriel (Arsenal) is booked for dissent.
Better from Arsenal as Ozil delivers a super cross towards Sanchez at the far post, but Alba is up really early to make the clearance. It eventually falls for Iwobi following another cross from the opposite side, but the teenager's strike was always moving high and wide of Bravo's goal.
CHANCE! Super chance for Elneny as Arsenal work the ball inside the Barcelona box, but Mathieu flies across to make a wonderful challenge. Another really good chance there!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sanchez to score against his former club as Bellerin delivers onto the head of the Chilean, but his effort is wide of the post! Had to score!
Welbeck cannot fashion a clear shot on goal this time following excellent work from Arsenal down the left. Mascherano just about did enough to put the Englishman under last-minute pressure.
Barcelona have had to ride their luck at the back in this first period, but they are so dangerous in the final third. Suarez attempts to produce a spectacular volley from a wide angle, but he gets it wrong and Arsenal can break once again. The Gunners look very dangerous when they counter-attack.
ARSENAL SUB! Coquelin replaces the injured Flamini in the Arsenal midfield.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Arsenal (3-0 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate. The only goal of the first 45 minutes came from Neymar, who struck in the 18th minute after some questionable Arsenal defending. The visitors have had a number of chances to register, however, with Sanchez heading their best opportunity wide of Ter Stegen's post.
STATISTICS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 63%, while they have had nine attempts - five of which have been on target. Arsenal, meanwhile, have had seven attempts, but not managed to test Ter Stegen. Two bookings to report - Flamini and Gabriel for Arsenal.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have in-form Munir El-Haddadi on their bench tonight, while Arda Turan, Sergi Roberto and former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen are also available for the hosts. Arsenal, meanwhile, were forced to replace Flamini in the final moments of the first period, but Wenger still has the likes of Joel Campbell, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud in reserve tonight.
MATCH PIC!
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Arsenal need three goals without reply in this second 45! Barcelona resume the action in Spain...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, you suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers speed here.
Arsenal work the ball down the left before Bellerin delivers towards Welbeck, but Alba is on hand to make the clearance. Fast start to the second period from the Premier League outfit here.
CHANCE! Iwobi again comes close for Arsenal after a smart pass from Sanchez, but the 19-year-old's strike is deflected wide of the post. Barcelona need to wake up a bit here!
BOOKING! Sanchez (Arsenal) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Arsenal (Elneny)
Arsenal have one back at Camp Nou as Sanchez slips a fine pass into Elneny and the midfielder rattles one into the top corner. Super finish for his first Arsenal goal. Maybe tie on here?!
Barcelona have been very sloppy in this second period and that goal might wake them up a bit. It must be said that there is not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium tonight, with the rain keeping a lot of the home fans away. They are not big supporters of the rain, Barcelona fans.
Little spell of Barcelona pressure in the last couple of minutes as they work the ball around the Arsenal box, but the Gunners shut the door and manage to force it away. Still 1-1 on the night.
SAVE! Super save from Ospina to keep out Messi's low strike!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Arsenal as a poor header from Mathieu sends Welbeck away inside the Barcelona box, but Mascherano is across to make a super, super challenge.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining tonight and Arsenal need two more goals to pull off an incredible comeback in this last-16 tie. Barcelona are far from comfortable at the moment here.
Neymar sets up Messi with a fine header, but the Argentine's strike was always moving wide of the post. Better from Barcelona since the Arsenal equaliser, but this is still a very open game.
Iwobi sets up Sanchez this time as Arsenal come close to a second, but Busquets is on hand to make the block. Not too sure about some of this defending from Barcelona! Arsenal fancy it!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal (Suarez)
Barcelona score their second on the night as Suarez sensationally finds the top corner with an excellent volley. Alves delivered and the technique from Suarez is scarily good it must be said!
CROSSBAR! He has hit the beans! Welbeck is through again for Arsenal, albeit in a wide position, but his strike hits the crossbar and goes behind - another good chance!
It is a very, very open game at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. Arsenal still want to be on the front foot, which is opening up space for Barcelona.
All Barcelona at the moment as Neymar once again sets up Messi, but the bounce is kind to Arsenal and Ospina can collect. The home side are going to make their first change here...
... BARCELONA SUB! Sergi Roberto replaces Iniesta.
ARSENAL SUBS! Walcott and Giroud replace Welbeck and Iwobi for the visitors.
Almost a wonderful Barcelona goal as Suarez works the ball back to Rakitic following excellent work between Roberto and Messi, but the midfielder fires high and wide of the target.
BARCELONA SUB! Arda Turan replaces Rakitic for the home team.
Possession football for Barcelona as Turan comes into the thick of the action and helps keep the ball away from Arsenal in the final third. Little over 10 minutes remaining at Camp Nou tonight.
BOOKING! Turan (Barcelona) is booked for bringing Monreal to the deck.
SAVE! Stunning save from Ter Stegen as the Barcelona stopper keeps out a brilliant free kick from Sanchez, before saving from Giroud in the second phase - wow!
Ter Stegen has been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool this week and he is putting on a show tonight. He has made some smart saves and that is the best of the lot!
CHANCE! Busquets heads just wide of the post from an Arsenal corner!
Well, Arsenal are going to be eliminated tonight, but they have put on a strong performance and can take heart as they prepare to travel to Everton in the Premier League this weekend.
BOOKING! Giroud (Arsenal) is booked following a high challenge with Alba.
SAVE! More good goalkeeping from Ter Stegen as the German stopper moves into a wide position to keep out Welbeck, who has been dangerous since entering the field.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal (Messi)
Barcelona have their third in the 88th minute as Messi takes advantage of some poor defending from Arsenal before lifting his effort over Ospina. Super finish and that is goodnight Arsenal.
Two additional minutes to be played at Camp Nou.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal (Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close at Camp Nou and Barcelona have booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League courtesy of a 3-1 win on the night and 5-1 victory on aggregate. Arsenal put in a brave performance, but could not overcome the best team in the world. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
