Barcelona welcomed Paris Saint-Germain to the Camp Nou on Wednesday with the two sides level at 2-2 from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
It was the away side that created most of the chances in the first period, but they could not make the breakthrough as it remained 0-0 on the night.
PSG had the lead after 50 minutes when Javier Pastore drove into the box before clipping his effort into the back of the net. However, Barcelona levelled on the night with 20 minutes to play when Pedro found the bottom corner from inside the box.
The French outfit continued to force the issue in the latter stages, but they could not find the second as Barcelona advanced courtesy of away goals.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Champions League coverage continues on Sports Mole as Barcelona host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their quarter-final clash. As mentioned, the two sides are currently level at 2-2 from the first leg in Paris, meaning that any win for either team would see them advance to the last-four stage of the competition.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Lionel Messi is named on the Barcelona bench this evening, meaning that Cesc Fabregas does indeed take his spot on the team. Meanwhile, it appears that Adriano will partner Gerard Pique at the heart of the defence. PSG, meanwhile, leave David Beckham on the bench, with Marco Verratti coming into the team alongside Thiago Motta. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Adriano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Fabregas, Villa
PSG: Sirigu; Maxwell, Silva, Alex, Jallet; Verratti, Motta; Pastore, Lucas; Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi
PSG will argue that they deserved to take something from the first leg last week, but Barcelona were aggrieved with the French side's opening goal, which did appear to be offside. A late Xavi penalty had appeared to have handed the away side a first-leg win, but Blaise Matuidi’s deflected effort in the final minute levelled the scores at 2-2.
Barcelona will enter the match full of confidence, however, with a 20-match unbeaten run at the Camp Nou in this competition. The last time they lost in this stadium in Europe was against Rubin Kazan in 2009. Their home record against French opposition is also impressive with five wins, one draw and one defeat from seven matches.
The Spanish outfit were victorious the last time they welcomed a Ligue 1 side to this stadium in 2009, with Lyon losing 5-2 as Barcelona advanced into the quarter-finals. The La Liga side have also won 18 of their 23 European ties in which they have drawn the first leg away from home. All the omens do appear to favour the home side this evening.
Barcelona have also found the back of the net in each of their 11 fixtures with French sides in the Champions League. In addition, they have scored the opening goal in each of their four encounters against PSG in European competition. Due to their two goals in Paris last week, a goal for Barcelona would leave PSG needing at least two strikes to advance to the latter stages.
There is no question that Barcelona enter this match as the favourites as they attempt to secure their fourth Champions League crown in eight seasons. The fact that the league is all but in the bag also allows them to focus all their attention on this competition. Due to the pressure surrounding the club, it would be considered a failure if they did not lift the trophy in this campaign.
That said, PSG will be in no mood to hand out any favours. The French outfit have won three of their last four away fixtures in the Champions League, while they have never lost a two-legged European tie to Spanish opponents in Europe. Their record in Spain reads won four, drawn one and lost three from eight matches.
PSG will have to do what no other French club has been able to accomplish (winning at the Camp Nou in the Champions League), however, if they are to make it through to the semi-finals. A score draw higher than 2-2 would also see them advance, but Carlo Ancelotti has certainly sent out an attacking side this evening. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be all-important in this type of match.
Barcelona have been beaten in this stadium by French opposition, but that defeat, which was against Metz, came in the Cup Winners Cup in 1984. It would be safe to say that much has changed at both clubs since then. PSG’s only previous trip to this stadium in the Champions League was back in March 1995, when the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.
The French outfit are on a strong run of their own, meanwhile, having remained unbeaten in their last seven Champions League matches, their second-best run in the competition. They have also lost just two of their last seven European away matches in Spain. Even with that record, facing Barcelona is a different matter entirely.
Let’s take a quick look at how each side has reached this stage of the competition, starting with Barcelona. The Spanish outfit topped a section that included Celtic, Benfica and Spartak Moscow. They won four of their six matches, drawing once and losing the other. They scored 11 goals in those six matches, while they conceded five times. The surprise defeat came against Celtic in Scotland, where they were beaten despite having around 80% of the possession.
AC Milan waited in the last-16 stage of the tournament, and it did appear that they would exit the competition having lost the first leg 2-0 in Italy. However, the Spanish outfit responded in style to win the second leg 4-0 and therefore advance 4-2 on aggregate. Having seen Real Madrid progress last night, they will want to be in that semi-final draw.
PSG, meanwhile, topped Group A which also included Porto, Dynamo Kiev and Dinamo Zagreb. It was by no means the hardest group, but they impressed on their way to qualification. They won five of their six matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three times in the process. The only disappointment came in a 1-0 defeat against Porto in Portugal.
They faced another Spanish side in the last-16 stage, but a 2-1 win in the first leg in Spain set them up nicely for the return match in France. It wasn’t as comfortable as expected in Paris, but the capital outfit did manage to book their place in the quarter-finals with a 1-1 draw. Can they do the unthinkable and overcome Barcelona this evening?
A quick word on Barcelona’s league form entering this match. They have won four of their last six matches in La Liga, a run of form that sees them sit atop the standings, some 13 points clear of nearest challengers Real Madrid. Only one of the biggest collapses of all time will prevent them from regaining the league title this season.
PSG, meanwhile, also look on course for their domestic title, topping the French table with 64 points from their 31 matches, seven clear of Marseille. Meanwhile, they have an identical league record to Barcelona in their last six matches, winning four, drawing one and losing one. Could it be more finely balanced?
We are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. I fancied PSG to do well in the Champions League this season, but I think their journey will come to an end this evening. I suspect it will be tight, but I am backing a 3-1 Barcelona win. Let's hope that it is a magical night of European football.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch as the wonderful Champions League tune erupts around this famous stadium, which is packed to the rafters. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will get the action underway. This is what it is all about.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Messi is not fit enough to start the match, but the Argentine is on the bench. Fabregas comes into the team, alongside David Villa and Pedro in attack. PSG, meanwhile, recall Verratti and Motta, but Beckham is named on the bench. The away side get the action underway.
This is the first time that Barcelona have entered a knockout Champions League fixture without Messi in their starting side. The Argentine takes his place on the bench, while Tito Vilanova is also looking in good shape this evening. Early free kick for the home side, but Xavi's effort moves just wide of the post. The whole stadium thought it was in.
Well, that Xavi strike has certainly raised the atmosphere in the stadium, as if it needed to be. PSG have a half-chance moments later as Ibrahimovic collects possession outside the box before finding Lavezzi, but his effort is straight into the arms of Valdes. End-to-end start to this Champions League fixture in Barcelona.
As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early stages. A mistake from Busquets almost allowed Lavezzi to have a strike on goal, but Pique is across to make the challenge at the final moment. Plenty of good signs for the home side as Pedro is ruled offside down the other end moments later. Hardly time to take a breath in the opening six minutes of this match.
Mistake from Thiago Silva as the defender slips while taking a free kick, he goes to clear the danger, but the referee is on hand to penalise the Brazilian. The resulting free kick is taken by Villa, but it thumps straight into the wall before Alex turns and clears the danger. The pressure remains, however, with Barcelona controlling possession in the PSG half.
Fabregas wants a free kick moments later as he is challenged while in the act of shooting, but the referee is not interested. Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium as the home supporters sing that famous tune. Iniesta is involved moments later as he thumps an effort from the edge of the box, but it is deflected behind for a corner, which is gathered by Sirigu, before Pique turns behind moments later.
Ibrahimovic is the target for the away side as Motta collects possession in the midfield before floating a cross towards the Swede, but Pique is across to make the challenge. A loose ball from the defender presents Ibrahimovic with the ball moments later, but the striker cannot keep possession. You could cut the tension in this stadium with a knife. It is just so finely balanced.
Pedro attempts to force the issue as he collects possession outside the box before striking an effort on goal, but Alex is across to make the challenge. Iniesta tries the spectacular moments later as he spots the goalkeeper off his line, but it just moves high of the crossbar. What an effort from the Spaniard. Still no goals with 14 minutes on the clock at the Camp Nou.
Controversial moment as Lucas Moura bursts past Jordi Alba, the Barcelona defender appears to nudge the Brazilian to the ground, but the referee points for a goal kick. That is just about as clear a foul as you are likely to see in my opinion. Lucas is involved moments later as he strikes an effort from distance, but Valdes was always comfortable in dealing with the danger.
Another half-chance for the away side as Lavezzi strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Plenty of encouragement for the French outfit in the early stages. Just a reminder that Messi is indeed on the bench this evening, he has just been seen leaning forward in his seat. He is kicking every ball out there that is for certain.
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Again Alves is involved for the home side as he drives down the right before finding Villa in the box, the Spaniard thumps a first-time effort towards goal, but Alex was across to make the block. The resulting corner is taken by Xavi, but once more Ibrahimovic rises in the box. Bit of a miss-match in terms of height this evening.
Lucas again tries his luck from distance as he collects possession from Ibrahimovic before whipping an effort towards goal, but it was always rising over the crossbar. The French outfit have been the better side in the last five minutes or so, which probably means Barcelona will score at some point in the next couple of minutes. I have been known to curse these situations.
Again it's really bright work from the away side as Ibrahimovic combines with Lucas before attempting a strike on goal, but Valdes is out to quell the danger at the vital moment. Really positive football from PSG once more. Fabregas strikes an effort down the other end moments later, but it takes a deflection before Pedro hits the side netting.
Sloppy play from both sides in the last couple of minutes with both guilty of losing possession in the final third. A poor pass from Busquets allows Ibrahimovic a chance on goal, but his effort is weak. Moments later Iniesta has the ball in the PSG box, but he can also only find the arms of the goalkeeper. Breathless football in the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Ibrahimovic finds Lavezzi in the box, but his low attempt is pushed away by Valdes. The French side have caused all sorts of problems in the opening 28 minutes of this match. But as it stands, Barcelona will advance to the next round.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of giving away a host of fouls in the opposing half. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances, meanwhile, but it is the away side enjoying possession of the ball. You can almost sense the nervousness in the crowd as Busquets once more loses possession, before Lavezzi's low effort is cleared.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the away side as Ibrahimovic finds Lucas in the box, but the Brazilian's header is palmed away by Valdes. Another glorious opportunity, but they need to start taking these chances. The resulting corner causes problems, but Alex's header is saved by Valdes.
Barcelona just cannot find a way through at the moment as they continue to keep possession in the final third. They have had 57 goals taken out of their side with the loss of Messi, which is bound to affect them. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, with the scores level on the night. Wonderful advert for the Champions League here.
Again Lucas causes problems with his pace as he collects a pass from Pastore before firing a low cross into the box, but Pique is across to make the challenge. Ibrahimovic meets the resulting corner, but it moves over the crossbar. Another set piece is awarded to PSG, it just glances off the head of Alex. Barcelona are under some real pressure here.
Good possession from the home side in the last couple of moments with Xavi and Iniesta starting to see more of the ball. Eventually Pedro collects possession on the left, but his cross evades those in the area as Messi looks on from the sidelines. Will we see the Argentine in the second period? I suppose it depends on how the match progresses.
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Half-chance for Villa this time as the Spaniard collects possession in the box before curling an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from PSG as an attacking threat in the last few moments, but it is hard not to be impressed by their performance thus far. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Finally Pastore bursts into life as he evades two challenges before sliding a pass beyond the Barcelona defence, but Ibrahimovic had just strayed into an offside position. You can really sense the nervousness inside the stadium as another attack breaks down. How quick has this first half gone? I do not want it to end.
The same combination arrives moments later as Pastore finds Ibrahimovic, but Pique is across to make the challenge. Adriano is booked moments later for a late challenge on Lucas, who has been wonderful in this first half. The resulting free kick is taken by Ibrahimovic, but his effort is straight into the wall. Bit of a waste from the Swede.
The crowd are certainly not content with what they are watching at the moment as yet another attack breaks down. The away side's defence has been very resolute in this first period. Barcelona keep hold of the possession, but no real attacking chances. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 0-0 PSG (2-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. It has been PSG's first period, but the French outfit have been unable to hit the back of the net. As it stands, Barcelona would still advance to the next round courtesy of away goals. But you just get the feeling that we will see some goal action in the second period.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have had more of the possession with 64%, but they have managed just six attempts to PSG's seven. All of the home side's attempts have been off target, but the French outfit have tested Valdes on five separate occasions. It has been their first period there is no question about that.
BENCH WATCH: Barcelona have just the small matter of Messi on the bench, but how fit is he? They also have other options, meanwhile, in the shape of Alexis Sanchez and Thiago. PSG, meanwhile, could call upon Beckham in the second period, while they also have Gameiro in reserve.
UPDATE: There is of course another Champions League fixture taking place this evening with Juventus welcoming Bayern Munich to Italy. The score remains 0-0 on the night, with Bayern in the driving seat courtesy of their 2-0 win in the Allianz last week. I shall keep you up-to-date with that one.
Right, both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is perhaps not too surprising based on events in the first period. Just a reminder that PSG need to score to have a chance of progressing this evening. Barcelona get the half underway.
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A certain Phil Neville believes that PSG can win the match this evening. He has just tweeted: "PSG front 3 Lavezzi, Ibra, Moura will win this game for PSG!" Do you agree with the Everton captain? Bright start to the second period from Barcelona as Alba finds Pedro down the left, but Alex is across to make the challenge.
Messi does not make a good substitute that is for certain. He has been up and down, out of his seat. He does not look comfortable. But can they risk further aggravating his injury? Barcelona continue to impress in the early stages of the second period with two corners in quick succession, but neither really threatens to open the scoring.
Lucas again forces the issue for the away side as he takes control of possession before darting past three players, but Pique is across to make the decisive challenge. Half-chance for Fabregas down the other end as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always flying over the crossbar. A goal for Barcelona would leave PSG needing to score twice.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 PSG (Pastore)
PSG lead in the Camp Nou! Sensational scenes in Spain as Pastore bursts into the box before clipping his effort over the onrushing Valdes. That is just delightful from the French outfit. Messi has been told to immediately warm up. Now we have a real match on our hands.
Now we will find out about this Barcelona team. Just how good are they? You cannot say that it hasn't been coming. PSG have been wonderful this evening. Another half-chance arrives as Lucas fires a low cross into the box, but Pique is across to clear, before Alves floats a cross into the arms of Sirigu.
Lucas is again involved for the away side as he attempts to meet a cross from Pastore, but Adriano is across to clear at the vital moment. Barcelona are in serious trouble here. The French outfit really fancy themselves here. However, one goal for Barcelona at this stage changes everything. What a night of Champions League football.
Lionel Messi has been sent to warm up, which has brought the biggest cheer of the evening. However, if he was fully fit, he would have started the match. It really is as simple as that. One thing is for certain, Barcelona need to score in the next 30 minutes or so, or they are out of the Champions League. PSG are just devastating on the counter as they attack with Ibrahimovic once more.
Iniesta keeps hold of the possession in midfield before finding Villa, who whips a low cross into the box, but it moves out of play for a goal kick. The home side want a corner, but the referee is not interested. Real frustration from the players and supporters alike. Just about 30 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Oh my word how has he missed? Wonderful chance for the away side as Ibrahimovic finds Pastore in the box, but he can only slice wide of the goal. That would have placed them in a strong position. However, the away side do gain a free kick as Adriano dives into a challenge with Verratti, injuring himself in the process.
The resulting free kick is taken by Ibrahimovic, but it is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Valdes attempts to start a counter attack for his side, with Iniesta in possession, but once more it breaks down. Meanwhile, it appears that Adriano will soon depart in favour of Bartra.
Half-chance for Alves as the Brazilian strikes an effort from inside the box, but it was always moving over the crossbar. Double change for the home side as Adriano and Fabregas are replaced by Bartra and Messi. Can the little Argentine do it? They need s saviour here.
Messi's first involvement is a positive one as he collects possession on the edge of the box before finding Villa, but Maxwell is across to make the challenge. Messi has had some achievements in his career, but this would be up there with the very best. The home supporters are right behind their side as we approach the final 20 minutes of football.
Pique is next to try his luck as he pounces on a loose ball in the box before thumping an effort towards goal, but Alex is on hand to make the block. It falls to Messi moments later, but Sirigu is across to make a fine save. Barcelona are really starting to play now. Backs against the wall for the French side.
Decent possession for the away side in the last couple of moments, with Pastore and Verratti seeing plenty of the ball. The former has a half-chance as he strikes one from the edge of the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Barcelona have 20 minutes to score or they are out of the Champions League. But you just get the feeling that we will have late drama here.
Half-chance for Ibrahimovic once more as the Swede attempts to meet a ball from Lucas, but Valdes is quick off his line. Villa wants a free kick down the other end moments later as he loses control of the ball, but the referee is not interested. Hardly time to take a breath here as Lucas advances down the other end. Stunning football match, just stunning.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 PSG (Pedro)
Barcelona have their goal! The home side make the breakthrough as Pedro collects a pass from Villa before thumping his effort into the back of the net. Now the away side need to score to make it through to the next round. What will happen next?
The stadium is absolutely jumping following that strike from Pedro. A half-chance comes to the away side as Ibrahimovic floats a free kick into the box, but Pique is across to make the clearance. Make no mistake about it, PSG are still in this European tie. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining.
Still no movement on the PSG bench as we approach the latter stages. Can they fight back once more? You have to go back to the chances they missed in the first period. It is all one-way traffic as Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the box. Messi has just completely changed the entire feel of this match. It is quite surreal.
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PSG just need a moment of magic from someone in the last 10 minutes or so. One thing is for certain, whatever happens this evening, they have made a real statement. It may not be their year, but the progress they have made is just incredible. Messi is almost playing central midfield at the moment. He is not fit, but he has changed this match.
Still no movement on the away side's bench, but there is not a lot that they can change. They are still a threat on the counter attack. You cannot fault any aspect of their play in this match. But they cannot get the ball at the moment as Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the opposing half.
It's a bit of a nasty one from Lavezzi as the striker catches Alba with a late challenge, who was less than impressed. Ibrahimovic attempts to pull the Spaniard to his feet, which also creates another problem between the players. Meanwhile, it appears that Gameiro will soon join the action for Paris.
Indeed the change is made as Gameiro replaces Lavezzi, who has struggled to make an influence in the second period. Still no sign of Beckham, however, with the former England captain rooted to the bench. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining. PSG have to score.
What was I just saying? No sign of Beckham. Well now there is. The veteran does indeed join the action in place of Verratti, who has been stunning this evening. What a moment it would be if the former Manchester United player could have an influence in the latter stages. Do not rule it out.
Barcelona make their third and final change of the match as Villa is replaced by Alex Song. They will attempt to hold onto what they have this evening. PSG just need that one chance, that one moment of inspiration. But time is not on their side.
Silva is the latest player to have his name taken for a challenge on Messi, which was not too pretty. It is incredible just how much of a difference one man, an injured man, has had on this team. Barcelona are just slowing the match down at the moment as they continue to keep hold of the ball. It isn't pretty.
Final change for the away side as Van der Wiel is introduced in place of Jallet. The defender is involved immediately as he drives into the box, but Pique is across to clear at the vital moment. Little under one minute of normal time remaining.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football and we are indeed into the second of those. Nothing has happened in the last few minutes as Barcelona continue to keep hold of the ball in the Paris half.
Messi is controlling the tempo of the match as he continues to involve his teammates in the PSG half, Alves attempts to force the issue with a run into the box, but Silva is across to clear. One final attack for PSG as Motta fires a cross into the box, but Bartra clears. It is almost over.
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FULL-TIME: Barcelona 1-1 PSG (Barcelona advance on away goals)
So there we have it. It is cruel on PSG, but they are eliminated from the quarter-final clash on away goals. I can tell you that Bayern Munich have also advanced this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick with us for all the reaction. Good evening!
