Champions League: Arsenal vs. Barcelona – Full time report
Arsenal took on Barcelona at the Emirates in a game that was destined to be a replay of both their encounter in the Champions League last year.
However, what Arsenal had going in their favour, was the fact that most of the Gunners players were fit for the tie and were roaring to go in the game.
The match kicked off with Barcelona being held back by Arsenal, as the home-side started to take the game to the Catalans.
However, soon after the Spanish giants got back in the game, and in the 26th minute they had the opening goal on the night.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Villa-c10629 with a killer through ball and as the player was played onside due to Gael Clichy’s lack of presence, the forward went on to beat the Arsenal back-line with ease and find the back of the net.
The rest of the half saw Barcelona dominate possession and pass Arsenal to death, but, the team could not capitalize on their possession as the half ended with Barcelona taking the one goal lead with them.
The second half was quite a different story. Arsenal were looking much sharper on the break and were even looking to trouble Barcelona on a number of occasions.
In the 78th minute, Arsenal got level with their Spanish opponents. Gael Clichy made up for his earlier mistake by playing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380 on with a killer ball and the striker caught Victor Valdes napping and buried a shot into the near post.
Five minutes later, everything changed as Arsenal got the second goal on the night. A killer through ball by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andrei-Arshavin-c5771, who curled
a brilliant effort into the back of the net.
As a result of that goal from Arshavin, Arsenal picked up their first win over Barcelona in eight attempts and were now heading to Camp Nou with a one goal advantage.
The line-ups for the game were as follows:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Walcott Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie
Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Pique, Abidal, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maxwell-c25051, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Villa, Messi
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