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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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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179
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