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Apr 2, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
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Half-Time Report: Lionel Messi gives Barcelona control

:Headline: Half-Time Report: Lionel Messi gives Barcelona control: ID:77456: from db_amp
Barcelona lead 1-0 after 45 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes, courtesy of a goal from Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi's clinical finish has handed Barcelona the lead in their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes.

The hosts were quickly on the attack and went agonisingly close to an opening goal through Ezequiel Lavezzi early on.

The Argentine forward wriggled clear of Javier Mascherano but saw his effort hit the post under a challenge from Sergi Busquets.

David Beckham was heavily involved and crossed for Alex to head wide from a corner as PSG continued to carry a threat.

Javier Pastore and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both forced Victor Valdes into making strong saves from distance, as Barca struggled to cope with the home side's pressing style.

Barca slowly began to control possession as the half wore on, with Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez both testing Salvatore Sirigu.

Ten minutes before the break Messi latched onto an incisive pass from Dani Alves before slotting home at the far post for his 57th goal of the season.

Messi then curled a clever strike just over from 18 yards as Barca controlled the closing stages.

Just before the interval Messi pulled up with a calf problem as Barca saw out stoppage time with their star man struggling for fitness.

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2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves134181422-813
17Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179
20Valencia11146817-97
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