Prophecy Fulfilled: Messi destroys Arsenal; Juventus, Bayern Munich share spoils in UEFA Champions League

By Adeyinka Akintunde, Lagos on February 24, 2016

Like the fulfillment of a prophecy, world’s best footballer Lionel Messi last night did what he knows how to do best against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, London. The nimble-footed soccer wizard was on song for FC Barcelona as the defending champions beat hosts Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 to brighten their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals. The Gunners began the game immediately going for goal against the Catalans right from kickoff, but on five minutes Barcelona balanced the game.

Arsenal had more opportunities, but couldn’t use them. The second half began with Barcelona establishing their dominance. Neymar even missed a one-on-one, and Arsenal were mostly defensive for the first ten minutes of the half.

The breakthrough finally came in the 71st minute. There was a cross from the defence that fell to Luis Suarez, who immediately found Neymar. He pushed to the 18-yard and connected an unmarked Messi, who finished perfectly, scoring his first goal against Petr Cech in seven meetings.

Things got worse for the hosts as Flamini brought down Messi in the vital area in the 83rd minute and the referee promptly pointed to the penalty spot. Messi got up, sent Cech the wrong way and slotted into an empty net.

Elsewhere in Turin, Italy, the game between Juventus and visiting Bayern Munich saw the German side dominate the first half, and going ahead in 43 minutes when Thomas Mueller scored, after receiving a cross from Arjen Robben. The game, however, ended 2-2, with Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro equalising for Juventus after Robben had made it 2-0.

•Photo shows mercurial Messi celebrating a goal.

Source News Express

Posted February 24, 2016


 

You may also like...
Don’t write off Super Falcons, Oshoala begs fans...

Salah, Mane On Target As Liverpool Return To...

Super-agent Mendes denies tax offences

Christian Chukwu’s daughter hooked, to tie knot on...

Sierra Leone Snatch Late Draw Against Ivory Coast...

Transfer: Six stars ready to ignite Premier League...

 

Latest News Hearn slams Ngannou over Joshua defeat excuse Chelsea eye Martinez to replace Osimhen Visa unveils Amusan, Nwachukwu as global ambassadors I’m not under pressure to coach Eagles – Finidi Super Eagles focused on World Cup qualifiers – Omeruo Ibrahim: Striker who wants to emulate Lukaku at Chelsea Boniface ranked best African performer in Europe Napoli may reduce Osimhen price tag Mali beat Nigeria 2-0 in international friendly NOC commends Team Nigeria, government, media for victory at African Games JOF U-13 Cup: 8 Clubs Qualify For Quarterfinals Osimhen resumes training, fit for Atalanta clash

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (53,388 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (44,395 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (42,544 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (42,217 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (42,002 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (41,880 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (41,764 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (41,221 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (40,271 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (39,182 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (37,630 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (37,206 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media