With the help of an early Xavi goal Barcelona now are through to the quaterfinals of Champions League. On a night which saw the defending champions crashing out, Barcelona could only muster up only one goal inspite of having the majority of possession. But all was not good for Barcelona in the night which saw Messi getting injured. The extent of his injury will be known today only when he undergoes scan. Barcelona was forced to sit out Milito as he was down with fever, Thuram partnered Puyol in the centre of defense. Sylvinho came in place of Abidal, Deco in place fo Iniesta nd the forward line up was restored to Ronaldinho, Eto and Messi.Barcelona took the lead with just three minutes into the game. Messi moved inside the field and found Xavi at the edge of box, Xavil laid off the ball to Ronaldinho who with his trademark pass placed the ball to sylvinho in the left. Sylvinho's cross was well directed by Xavi into the goal. Barcelona then dominated the initial exchanges but was unable to find one more goal despite all the possesion. In spite of the fact that Ronaldinho and Sylvinho were working well together down the left, there was no serious chances created by Barcelona. In the 29 th minute Ronaldinho fed Puyol perfectly into the box, but Boruc pulled out a wonderful save. In the 34th minute Messi got injured, which saw Henry coming to the centre and Eto moving to right. That basically sums up the first half. In the second half things were mucd duller. In the 59th minute Ronaldinho exchanged passes with Eto, before sending a thunderous shot into the goal. Again Boruc pulled up another brilliant save. From the resulting corner Deco send in a wonderful volley which was well saved by Boruc. I have serious doubt whether Celtic will be able to hold onto this guy, he is a terrific Goal Keeper. It was only towards the end McDonald and Nakamura tested Victor Valdes.
The goal from Xavi in 3rd minute killed the match. Ronaldinho had a good game. But everyone will be having their fingers crossed when Messi is taken for scan today. Anyway this injury vindicate Rijkaard of his decision to exclude Messi from starting eleven at Athletico Madrid.
Xavi Goal
Messi Injury
Messi Injury