Arsenal, Barca rocked by goal stunners [video]

 
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By , 14 Sep 2011

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    Arsenal and Barcelona were stung by late equalisers as the pair were both held to draws with Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in their opening match of the European Champions League.

    A freak goal from Ivan Perisic with two minutes left secured a 1-1 draw for the German champions. The Croatian’s incredible volley denied victory for the troubled Gunners, who looked to be on course for a much-needed win after Robin van Persie’s second half strike.

    The case was the same for European champions Barcelona at the Nou Camp, as the Catalan giants seemed on track for victory after David Villa’s superb free-kick.

    The Spanish club had fought back after going down from a very early goal to AC Milan’s striker Alexandre Pato. The Brazilian’s goal was the fifth fastest in Champions League history.

    It was up to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi to restore preceedings in Barcelona’s favour, with the diminutive forward going a mazy second half run past several defenders to set up teammate Pedro for a tap-in goal.

    The Spanish lost Andreas Iniesta in the 38th minute with a hamstring tear and the midfielder is expected to out of action for a month.

    But at 1-1 Barcelona was dominating the match, and they went ahead five minutes into the second half thanks to a stunning effort from Villa. His unstopabble free-kick dipped over the wall and veered beautifully into the left side of the goal.

    However Barcelona, who were without defensive linchpin Pique, could not protect their lead and conceded a late goal to Thiago Silva. The Brazilian headed in a cross in the third minute injury time to make the final score 2-2.

    Barcelona now face BATE in their next Champions League game while Arsenal will take on Olympiacos.

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