Wednesday's Champions League Group H clash at the Camp Nou pitted four-time European champions Barcelona against Dutch outfit Ajax.
Lionel Messi's 60th Champions League goal moved Barcelona into the lead after 22 minutes, but Ajax had opportunities to level in an entertaining first period.
Messi made it 2-0 after 55 minutes, before Gerard Pique extended their lead with a header 20 minutes from time. Messi was not finished, however, as he completed his hat-trick with another cool finish after 75 minutes.
Ajax had the opportunity to score a consolation in the latter stages from the penalty spot, but Kolbeinn Sigthorsson's effort was pushed wide by Victor Valdes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Barcelona begin their search for a fifth European crown at the Camp Nou as they welcome Dutch side Ajax to Spain. The Catalan outfit are the favourites to emerge from a group that also includes seven-time European champions AC Milan and 1967 winners Celtic, but it will be a difficult ask for Ajax in Group H.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: No Xavi in the Barcelona XI this evening, but Cesc Fabregas does come into the team. Jordi Alba is absent through injury, with Adriano coming in at left-back. There are also starts for Neymar and Alexis Sanchez for the home side. Ajax, meanwhile, have on-loan Barcelona attacker Bojan in their lineup. Full team news to follow.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Fabregas, Iniesta; Sanchez, Messi, Neymar
AJAX: Vermeer; Van Rhijn, Moisander, Denswil, Blind; Boilesen, Duarte, Poulsen, De Jong; Sigthorsson, Bojan
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Barcelona XI with Sergio Busquets acting as the anchor in their midfield. Sanchez, as mentioned, gets the nod over Pedro. For Ajax, Bojan returns to the Camp Nou alongside Kolbeinn Sigthorsson in attack, but highly-rated youngster Viktor Fischer is named on the bench.
Despite both sides enjoying a fruitful history in European football, this is the first meeting between the two teams in this competition. The famous figure of Johan Cruyff is a link between the two clubs, however, with the Dutchman winning this competition three times as a player for Ajax before coaching Barcelona to their first title in 1992.
Of course, this will also be the first time that new Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino takes charge of the club in the Champions League. The Catalan outfit last triumphed in 2011 when they overcame Manchester United at Wembley, but it has been a frustrating couple of seasons in Europe for the Spanish side.
Tonight will also be a special evening for Martino’s opposite number Frank de Boer, who is returning to the club that he played for between 1999 and 2003. He will be tasked with helping Ajax progress to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since the 2005-06 season. A result at the Camp Nou this evening would certainly provide a base to build from.
As mentioned, Barcelona were eliminated in the semi-finals of the competition last season – losing 7-0 on aggregate to eventual winners Bayern Munich. Prior to the 3-0 defeat in the home leg against Bayern, they had gone 21 matches unbeaten in this competition at the Camp Nou, winning 16 times in the process. That is an indication of the task facing Ajax this evening.
This is also Barcelona’s first home fixture against Dutch opposition since they drew 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven in the 1997-98 season. Their last home win over Dutch visitors was in the 1983-84 season when they put two past NEC Nijmegen without reply. Overall, Barca’s record against teams from Holland reads played six, won three, drawn three.
Not known as a team to rest on their laurels, Barcelona might have won La Liga last season, but failure in Europe prompted them to open their chequebook for Santos attacker Neymar, who has impressed during his opening few weeks in Spain. It will indeed be his first taste of European competition this season, but he has slotted effortlessly into the Catalan’s first XI.
Barcelona have also made a positive start to their La Liga title defence this season with four wins from their opening four games of the season. However, aside from a 7-0 win over Levante on the opening weekend of the campaign, it has been far from straightforward, with four goals conceded in their last two matches.
They remain a team that will forever score goals, but defensive problems could certainly come back to haunt them this season. With respect to Valencia and Sevilla – who have both scored twice against them in recent weeks – better teams in Europe will exploit any weakness that the Spanish champions still possess.
Ajax, meanwhile, have made a fairly unspectacular start to their league campaign with three wins, two draws and one defeat in their opening six matches of the season. They enter the match off the back of a 2-1 win over PEC Zwolle at the weekend, but they have not won in their last three league matches on the road.
Meanwhile, the Dutch outfit are on an eight-game losing streak against Spanish opposition, with their last success coming in a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in the 2003-2004 campaign. They were also disappointing on their travels in the Champions League last season, picking up just one point on their travels in the group stages.
Despite not facing Barcelona in this competition, Ajax have been drawn against Real Madrid in each of the last three campaigns – losing on each occasion. Last season they suffered a 4-1 defeat in Holland before losing by the same scoreline when they made the trip to the Bernabeu. Not exactly the type of statistic that will hand them confidence entering this match.
However, Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi – who has scored 59 times in this competition – is refusing to take qualification into the next round for granted. He told reporters at a pre-match press conference: "It's a difficult group but we knew that would be the case. It's very difficult to win the Champions League – it's already hard from the start.”
The Argentine continued: “There are top-class, historic teams in our group – big names. Teams that we've faced before, so we know them a bit. Maybe not so with Ajax but we've watched them. It's an exciting group." That said, it would be a huge surprise and indeed a failure if Barcelona did not top this particular section.
Ajax defender Nicolas Moisander, meanwhile, has insisted that the club will enter the match with no fear. He told Nusport: “Barcelona are three, four levels higher than our opponents in the league. We are not afraid of a beating, we are going to really try and get something there. You should always believe in sensation."
PREDICTION: Barcelona are still vulnerable in defence, but the attacking talent they have on the field this evening is just frightening. Ajax are sure to have their moments throughout the 90 minutes, but I think that Barcelona will have far too much on the night. For me, Barcelona 3-0 Ajax.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. That wonderful Champions League music has certainly stoked the atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope that we have an evening full of excitement on this warm evening in Barcelona. Little over two minutes until kickoff.
Just a reminder of the main team news. No Xavi or Pedro in the Barcelona XI this evening, with Fabregas and Sanchez both given the nod. Neymar also starts in what will be his first appearance in the Champions League. Ajax, meanwhile, include on-loan Barcelona striker Bojan in their lineup. Right, the home side get this Champions League encounter underway.
Messi has scored 40 goals in his last 40 Champions League matches. A goal a game at this level is just frightening. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes with Iniesta and Fabregas enjoying touches in the middle of the park, before the latter is felled by Poulsen.
It's good work from Alves down the right as the Brazilian right-back collects a pass from Mascherano, before driving a low cross into the box, but Moisander is across to make the challenge. Bojan has possession down the other end moments later, but Busquets comes across to make the challenge. Neymar has a low effort for the home side in the next attack, but Vermeer is on hand to make the save.
As expected, Barcelona are in utter control of the possession at the moment with the away side chasing shadows. Iniesta attempts to force the issue with a pass towards Messi, but Poulsen is across to make the challenge. Blind collects moments later, but the Dutch side cannot keep it for long with Barcelona preparing to launch another attack, before Neymar wins a corner down the left.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Neymar drives past Blind before cutting it back to Fabregas, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Wonderful work from the Brazilian forward. It would be no exaggeration to say that Ajax have not had possession in the Barcelona half thus far. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
Neymar continues to look the most likely for the home side as he once more isolates Van Rhijn before driving past the right-back, but this time his cross is into the arms of the goalkeeper. Bojan has possession down the other end moments later, but he is quickly surrounded by three defenders. Ajax have been neat and tidy in possession in their own half, but have struggled further up the field thus far.
Slightly untidy from the home side in the last couple of moments with Fabregas and Busquets both guilty of losing possession in advanced areas. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that are making the noise inside the Camp Nou. Barcelona's intensity has just dropped in the last few moments with Ajax comfortable with the ball. Still goalless with 13 minutes on the clock in this Champions League encounter.
The referee has been called into action in the last couple of moments to deal with a number of challenges, most of which have come from the home side. Ajax attempt to force the issue with a quick free kick towards Bojan, but the Spaniard cannot find De Jong outside the box. Barcelona are down the other end moments later, but they cannot find that elusive pass into the box.
Neymar is at it once more as the Brazilian dances past two players before finding Iniesta on the edge of the box, but he loses control at the vital moment. Iniesta finds space in the box moments later, but his effort is cleared by Moisander. That has certainly raised the atmosphere inside the stadium, but Ajax do have the players to cause problems on the counter attack.
Half-chance for the home side to threaten the Ajax goal as Messi takes a quick free kick to Adriano, but the Brazilian can only cross into the arms of the goalkeeper, who has had a fairly comfortable start to the match. However, although Ajax's gameplan is working at the moment, one goal for Barcelona would change the entire course of proceedings.
Neymar remains the main threat for the home side as he again drives past Van Rhijn, but he just overruns it at the vital moment. We have not seen too much from Messi or Sanchez in the opening 22 minutes, but there is still a long way to go. Ajax attempt to create something down the other end, but Bojan's pass towards Sigthorsson is too long. Still goalless in the Camp Nou.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Ajax (Messi)
Messi opens the scoring at the Camp Nou as the Argentine's free kick clips the inside of the post before dropping into the back of the net. It was all his own making after being fouled outside the box by Duarte. That is goal number 60 for Messi in the Champions League. Good grief.
Almost an immediate response from the away side as De Jong finds some space inside the Barcelona box before attempting to play in Bojan, but Pique just manages to clear at the vital moment. I suspect the goal for the home side will force Ajax to push forward. However, that will hand Barcelona all sorts of room in the final third.
Moisander picks up the first yellow card of the match after the centre-back chopped down Iniesta outside the box. Ajax just need to keep their heads here. Another goal for Barcelona in the next few minutes and arguably it would be curtains already. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Camp Nou.
Opportunity for Ajax to gain some yardage in the Barcelona half as Bojan finds De Jong, who in turn slides a pass towards Sigthorsson, but Mascherano is across to shepherd it back to his own goalkeeper. Despite Messi's opener, Barcelona remain sloppy in possession with Ajax able to sit in and absorb much of the danger.
Another hint of an opportunity for the away side as Blind finds some space down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Bojan slips at the final moment. The Dutch outfit force their first corner of the match moments later, but for some reason they play it short before Duarte strikes it wide of the target.
CHANCE! Ajax's best chance of the match by some distance as Bojan finds Van Rhijn inside the box, but his header is straight at Valdes, who manages to push it wide of the goal. What an opportunity for the Dutch outfit 10 minutes before the interval. Plenty of signs of encouragement as the away side continue to keep possession.
Half-chance for Messi this time as the Argentine collects a pass from Fabregas before driving into the box, but Moisander is across to make the challenge. Alves finds himself inside the area moments later, but the offside flag is raised, before Neymar is denied by a fine save from Vermeer. Good tempo to the match with 36 minutes on the clock.
Neymar certainly has been the star of the half for the home side as he continues to perform his defensive duties as well as attacking in the final third. Ajax will be encouraged by their performance since falling behind, however, with Duarte and De Song seeing plenty of the ball. Still 1-0 to Barcelona with 38 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Stunning opportunity for the away side as Duarte finds some space inside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Valdes is on hand to make the save. Either side of the goalkeeper and that would have been 1-1. Ajax are more than in this match make no mistake about that.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last few moments with Ajax more than matching Barcelona in terms of possession. A loose pass from Bojan allows Pique to bring the ball out of defence moments later, but his pass towards Messi is too long for the Argentine. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
Ajax continue to impress in forward areas with Bojan and Sigthorsson seeing more of the ball. However, Barcelona have been quite comfortable in the last couple of moments. A half-chance arrives for Neymar, but his effort is high and wide of the target, before Messi tests the arms of Vermeer from close range.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Ajax
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading courtesy of a wonderful free kick from Messi with 22 minutes on the clock. However, it has been far from plain sailing for the home side, with Ajax having a couple of strong opportunities to open their tally for the evening.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have had more of the ball thus far, but a relatively low total with just 56% of the possession. They have had four attempts, three of which have bene on target, while Ajax have hit the target twice. Overall, it has been a very even half of Champions League football in Spain.
BENCH WATCH: It will come as no surprise that Barcelona have a wealth of attacking talent on the bench with Cristian Tello, Pedro and Xavi all in reserve. Ajax, meanwhile, could call upon the exiting youngster Fischer. Swedish attacker Sana also remains an option. I suspect that we will see changes as the second period develops.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at this stage, which is not much of a surprise. Group H's other match involving AC Milan and Celtic is goalless at the San Siro. Right, the away side get the second period underway at the Camp Nou.
You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the outcome of the match. Should Barcelona score a second, it would be difficult for Ajax to recover, but a goal for the away side would give them something to hold onto. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the second period.
Early involvement for Neymar as the Brazilian drives past Van Rhijn, but Denswil is on the cover to make the clearance. Strangely subdued atmosphere in the Camp Nou at the moment as Barcelona look long towards Messi, but Vermeer is on hand to claim. Ajax must be credited for the way they have passed the ball this evening.
CHANCE! Golden opportunity for the home side to score their second as Alves whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Van Rhijn just manages to beat Neymar to the ball. The Brazilian looked nailed on to score his first Champions League goal. That has certainly raised the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Barcelona keeping possession without really threatening to score their second of the evening. Bojan has a half-chance down the other end as he evades Busquets before moving towards the edge of the box, but Pique comes across to clear. Fairly low-key start to proceedings in the second period.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Ajax (Messi)
Messi has his second of the evening with 55 minutes on the clock as the Argentine collects a pass from Busquets, before cutting onto his left and whipping a powerful effort into the back of the net. It is harsh on Ajax, but that is football at the highest level.
CHANCE! Messi comes within a whisker of scoring his third of the evening as the Argentine strokes a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. However, I suspect that he will get another chance to score his hat-trick before the evening is through.
You have to worry for Ajax in the final 30 minutes of this match with Barcelona starting to move the ball quicker in midfield. It must be said that Neymar has been wonderful for Barcelona this evening with his constant movement causing a host of problems. Sanchez has a half-chance moments later, but he is crowded out at the vital moment.
Ajax make their first change of the match with Sereno entering the field in place of De Jong, who has struggled in the second period. You just get the feeling that Ajax will get chances as Barcelona continue to push forward. The Catalan outfit have conceded twice in each of their last two league matches. However, they are comfortable here with little under 30 minutes remaining.
Good spell for Ajax in the last couple of moments with Duarte and Sereno seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. However, they have found it difficult to search out the runs of Bojan and Sigthorsson in the second period. It would not be a surprise to see Barcelona look to their bench with Pedro the obvious replacement for Sanchez, who has been ineffective.
Half-chance for Barcelona to score their third of the evening as Alves finds some space in the box under good work from Sanchez, but the Brazilian decides to cut inside at the final moment, despite having an opportunity to strike an effort on goal. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining with Barcelona leading 2-0.
Good possession for Ajax in the last couple of moments with Bojan starting to find pockets of space outside the box, but Pique and Mascherano have been nice and compact thus far. Sereno attempts to get things moving again moments later, but his pass towards Sigthorsson is too long, allowing Valdes out to claim.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Ajax (Neymar)
Barcelona have their third of the evening as Neymar's wonderful cross is headed past Vermeer by Pique. That is indeed game, set and match. The scoreline is tough on Ajax, who have been impressive for long spells.
Neymar has a half-chance as the Brazilian drives past two challenges before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but Moisander is on hand to make the block. Ajax just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment with the home side committing numbers at every opportunity.
Double change for Barcelona as Xavi and Pedro enter the field to replace Fabregas and Neymar, who has been very impressive this evening. Decent couple of changes it must be said! If Barcelona can find another goal in the next couple of minutes when it could become five or six, which would be cruel on the away side.
Ajax make their second change of the match as Van der Hoorn enters the field for Moisander. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Barcelona comfortable in possession of the ball. They have not been at their best, but they are closing in on a very comprehensive three points on their opening Champions League tie of the season.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Ajax (Messi)
Did Messi see Ronaldo's hat-trick last night by any chance? The Argentine scores his third of the evening as he pounces on a loose ball inside the box before stroking his effort into the bottom corner. Wonderful finish.
PENALTY TO AJAX!
Ajax are awarded a penalty as Mascherano chops Sereno to the ground inside the box. It will be Sigthorsson to take.
SAVE! Valdes keeps the striker out! Sigthorsson's effort is low and hard, but the Barcelona number one manages to get a strong hand to push it wide of the post. What a match this has been.
Barcelona make their third and final change of the evening with Schone entering the field in place of Blind for the final 10 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals at the Camp Nou. End-to-end football with both teams committing numbers to each attack.
Barcelona make their third and final change of the evening with Pique leaving the field for Bartra. Another half-chance arrives for the home side moments later as Sanchez finds Alves with a fine pass, but the Brazilian just loses control at the vital moment, allowing Vermeer out to make the save.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Barcelona keeping hold of possession in their own half. Just a goal alert from Group H's other match - AC Milan have taken the lead against Celtic in the San Siro. Surely the Italians will be the favourites to join Barcelona in the knockout round from this particular group.
Half-chance for Barcelona to score their fifth of the evening as Messi stands over another free kick outside the box, but this time his effort is straight into the wall. The resulting corner is played short, but Duarte manages to thump clear. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining in the Camp Nou.
It's really bright work from the away side as Bojan combines with Poulsen before attempting to bend one into the top corner, but his effort is pushed over the crossbar by Valdes. Good finish to the match from Ajax, who have certainly been better than what the scoreline has shown.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the match and we are indeed into the second of those. Ajax continue to impress in the latter stages as Denswil strikes one from outside the box, but Valdes is across to make a fine save.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 4-0 Ajax
So there we have it. The referee brings the evening to an end with Barcelona securing all three points with a 4-0 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Until then!
