SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 18 hrs 57 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
PL
- | -
Apr 2, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
BL

2-2

Late Blaise Matuidi keeps Barcelona tie level

:Headline: Result: Late Blaise Matuidi keeps Barcelona tie level: ID:77464: from db_amp
Blaise Matuidi scores in injury time to help Paris Saint-Germain draw their Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Barcelona 2-2 at home.

Paris Saint-Germain are level with Barcelona at 2-2 after a pulsating Champions League quarter-final first leg at the 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 good 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 hamstring problem as Barca saw out stoppage time with their star man struggling for fitness.

Cesc Fabergas replaced Messi at the break as both sides continued to press the action in an entertaining contest.

Mascherano and Blaise Matuidi both picked up yellow cards that rule them out of the second leg, before the Argentine was forced off with a painful injury.

With 15 minutes left PSG equalised when Ibrahimovic reacted quickest to tap home after Thiago Silva's strike came back off the post.

In the 88th minute Barca were handed a chance to reclaim their lead when Sirigu conceded a penalty after bringing down Sanchez.

With Messi on the sidelines, Xavi stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake with a cool finish into the bottom corner.

PSG surged forward in stoppage time and equalised for a second time when Matuidi's strike took a deflection and drifted past Valdes at his near post in what was the last kick of the match.

amp_article__77464 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2013-04-02 21:37:53:
html db last update - 2013-04-02 21:37:53 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
3Real Madrid1283125111427
4Villarreal127322319424
5GironaGirona146352018221
6Mallorca146351312121
7Osasuna136341720-321
8Athletic Bilbao135531913620
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad135351110118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179
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.



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