Late Goals In Paris Help Hold Off Barcelona

David Beckham’s experience led to his start for P.S.G. in today’s Champions League match against Barcelona.  Though his age is a concern, especially playing a team that is known for dominating possession, he has played in over 100 UCL games.  Ibrahimovic was also included after having his suspension was reduced which was a big break for the home team.  Beckham was rather quite in the match though, as was Barcelona striker Messi.  In fact, Messi only managed his first shot late in the first-half.

Dani Alvez lifted a ball into the box with the outside of his foot to put Messi in-on-goal.  Hitting the shot off the volley Messi finished for the only goal of the half (38′).  Feeling confident he ripped another shot from the edge of the box moments later, but missed the frame by inches.  After that shot he showed some discomfort and limped around for the last few minutes of the half, then replaced by Fabregas after the break.

The pace of the game slowed down a bit in the second-half as Barcelona were protecting the lead with careful possession.  Also both sides used up all substitutes and the yellow cards started coming out often.  With about ten minutes left, however, the game got more interesting.

Ibrahimovic had two great chances in a matter of minutes.  The first was a shot denied by keeper Valdes that Ibrahimovic worked after two Barcelona defenders collided and stayed on the ground.  Shortly after the striker got a free shot that came when teammate Thiago Silva’s header hit the post.  The ball deflected right in front of goal off the post for an easy finish (79′).  Replay showed he was offsides when the header was played and should have been called offsides.  Unfortunately for Barcelona no such call was made and the equalizer counted.

Barcelona did get some satisfaction though when Alexis Sanchez won a penalty for the visitors as regulation ran out.  Keeper Sirigu missed his tackle on Sanchez to concede the penalty which was finished by captain Xavi from the spot (89′).  Paris seemed out of the match, and in all likelihood out of the tournament, but the final touch of the match put them right back in the mix.  Fullback Jallet lifted a ball into the box that Ibrahimovic was able to head down for teammate Matuidi.  Running onto the ball Matuidi hit the shot first-time to beat Valdes and again equalize the score (90 +4′).

The second-leg of this quarter-final will take place next Wednesday in Spain.  Barcelona have the away goal advantage as it stands, but Paris Saint-Germain have given themselves a great chance going forward thanks to the late goal.