“God Save the King” was the title of the banner depicting Leo Messi which was held up by the Barcelona fans as their side wandered out at the Nou Camp to take on Chelsea in their last-16 tie on Wednesday evening. It served to be true as the Argentine ace scored twice and provided a perfect assist to give Barca a 3-0 (4-1 aggregate) win over Chelsea.
The Catalans made a dream start and took the lead in the second minute. A series of slick passes rebounded in the Chelsea box, eventually, Luis Suarez produced a deft backheel in the direction of Messi, who from a tight angle drilled the ball past Courtois.
Needing a goal, Chelsea sprung forward in search of a goal. Willian came closest when his long-range chance was palmed away by keeper ter Stegen. Barca weathered the Chelsea attacks and took advantage of sloppy play from former midfielder Cesc Fabregas for their second. Messi mugged his former-teammate and surged forward. Just on the edge of the penalty area, a quick look to his right and Barca’s number ten played an inch-perfect ball to an onrushing Dembele. The summer signing from Dortmund took a touch before smashing the ball into the top-left hand corner for a memorable first goal for his side.
Chelsea came close to reducing the deficit on the cusp of half-time as Alonso saw his free-kick clip the upright, leaving ter Stegen helpless.
The second half saw Chelsea push again and had a reasonable penalty shout turned down when Alonso was bundled down by Pique. The duo clashed again moments later when Pique pulled off a world-class block to deny the Chelsea wing-back.
Again, Barca eased the Chelsea pressure and just after the hour mark, Messi scored his second to put the tie beyond any doubt. Luis Suarez pushed forward and laid the ball to Messi who showed a trademark turn of pace to beat Victor Moses leaving him to hit a left-footed shot which found its way into the back of the net though Courtois’ legs.
Chelsea pushed for a consolation, but Barca kept the ball well snuffing out any faint chances of a comeback.
Barcelona will now be looking forward to the Friday draw for the Quarterfinals. – Bein Sports.
