By our dedicated soccer analyst Kalusha Mwansa
It was one of the most awaited games of the quarters. Just the names just ran chills down your spine: the legendary David Beckham, skillful Xavi, exceptional Ibrahimovic, hard working Iniesta... and yes the star of it all the little magician Lionel Messi. But did it fulfill our expectations?
From kick off we all knew we had a match on our hands with PSG looking the most threatening and ambitious of the two sides. Within a few minutes PSG came close to taking an unexpected lead and that proved to be the turning point of the game... The magic wand was waved.
I would not necessarily say it was a one way traffic, but yes, Barcelona had the upper hand before you knew it. The net was shaking and who else apart from the record breaking Messi who connected an out-of-this-world pass from Alves with a brilliant finish. And then the game sprung to life, exchange after exchange but no goal was to come hence forth. Deep at the end of the half the unthinkable happened, Leo held his hamstring and we all smelt danger, our perceptions proved right and that was the end of the half as well as Magic Man's contribution.
The second half started on a similar note with Cesc replacing the injured Leo, with the million dollar question being 'WILL THERE BE A DIFFERENCE?'. The game kicked off and PSG showed their intentions of getting an equalizer and they would not be denied for long as Ibrahimovic got the equaliser in very controversial circumstances that makes one question the use of linesman close to the goal. From this point Barca did all they could with Alexis failing to convert two clear chances.
It was only late in the game that the sparks of the game started flying and just near the end of regulation time the Catalonians were awarded a penalty after the goal keeper brought down Alexis. Xavi buried the goal and game you might say....but no that was not it. Late in additional time when we thought it was all over, PSG scored. A slight deflection from the defender with Valdes almost going the wrong way, but still could not turn his body enough and only got his finger tips on it. Two-all it ended.
All-in-all I think Barcelona are too dependent on the availability of Leo up front and that served as a lesson for them. And my man of the match? Ill go for Danny Alves.
look out for Kalusha's Weekend preview tomorrow!