SM
Sports Mole words bigger AMP 2
Atletico vs. Real Madrid: 1 hr 15 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
PL
PSG logo
- | -
Apr 2, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
BL
Barcelona logo

2-2

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.

Half-Time Report: Messi strike gives Barca control

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.

amp_article__77456 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2013-04-02 20:52:39:
html db last update - 2013-04-02 20:52:39 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13GironaGirona2796123540-533
14Osasuna2671273237-533
15Espanyol2677122537-1228
16Valencia2769123045-1527
17Leganes2769122440-1627
18AlavesAlaves2768133040-1026
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2766153045-1524
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .