Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-3 Barcelona
Barcelona were given a scare by brave Bayer Leverkusen, but World Player of the Year Lionel Messi proved to be too good as the holders took a two-goal advantage into next month’s return leg at the Nou Camp.
Leverkusen had defended stoutly throughout the first half, but fell behind to Barcelona’s first real chance.
Sanchez slotted the ball under Bernd Leno after Messi’s exquisite through-ball, delivered with the outside of his left foot, had put the Chilean through on goal after 41 minutes.
Leverkusen, ravaged by injuries, including one to ex-Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, had defended well despite lacking a forward threat during the first half, but came out with a renewed vigour after the break. Their fresh, attacking outlook brought its reward in the 51st minute when Vedran Corluka’s back-post cross was headed in by left-back Michal Kadlec.
Leverkusen were not level for long though, as the holders retook the lead just four minutes later, when Sanchez added his second. Cesc Fabregas’ defence-splitting through-ball again put the ex-Udinese winger one-on-one with Leno, and again Sanchez converted, rounding the goalkeeper before squeezing the ball in from a tight angle.
Messi, despite being shackled by a swarm of Leverkusen defenders whenever he got near the ball, was starting to run the show, and after waltzing past two defenders, saw his superb chip rebound off the goalkeeper's near post.
The Argentine was not to be denied though, and added a third after a Daniel Alves cross found him arriving at the back post to register his 28th Champions League goal in his last 29 outings.
No comments:
Post a Comment