Barcelona 3-0 Bayern
For over 70 minutes, Bayern were doing the job and looked set to secure a priceless draw away from home. Then Messi came into the equation and inspired Barcelona with two great goals and an assist for Neymar.
Barcelona now take a commanding three goal lead to Germany. Messi magic yet again the difference against a resolute Bayern side that was understrength. Barca surely in the final now.
Under-strength Bayern Munich has it all to do tonight, as they take on favourites FC Barcelona in the first leg of what should be a very entertaining Champions League semi-final. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:45am (AEST).
Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola returns to the Nou Camp for the first time since leaving the Catalan giants in 2012.
Having enjoyed the luxury of coaching a team filled with greats such as Lionel Messi, Guardiola now has the unenviable task of stopping a Barcelona unit that contains three of the best footballers on the planet.
Neymar, Luis Suarez and Messi are all in top form at the moment and will fancy their chances of opening up a weakened Bayern line-up.
The Bundesliga champions are without key trio Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and David Alaba for tonight’s first leg, with none of them expected to return for the second leg next week.
Just like PSG before them, Bayern may opt to play on the counter attack in a bid to score a priceless away goal. They certainly have the arsenal upfront to cause trouble with Thomas Mueller, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandoski all superb footballers.
The pressure will certainly be on Barcelona to secure a positive result tonight and that pressure will only build the longer this game stays goalless. If Bayern can reach half-time at nil-all, Barcelona will take more risks in attack and this presents ample opportunity for Bayern to counter-attack.
If Messi, Suarez or Neymar finds himself on the scoresheet though, tonight’s contest could end up being a bloodbath. The trio are in superb touch and it will only take one of them firing for Barcelona to seal a comfortable first-leg lead.
With the South Americans looking ominous, it’s hard to tip against Barcelona here, especially with Bayern missing three of their best through injury.
Barcelona to win 2-0.
oscar gwatidzo
Guest
What a match from the best team. Buyern failed to contain Messi, Neyma n Suarez. At their best no one, I mean no one can stop then. Remember what Efenburg said last week. It clearly showed that the team Buyern was going to lose.
Johnno
Guest
There's clearly a gulf between the very best few soccer players on the planet, and the rest, that's why clubs pay such big dollar for the marquee clutch stars, game changers.
Alan
Roar Guru
For over 70 minutes, Bayern were doing the job and looked set to secure a priceless draw away from home. Then Messi came into the equation and inspired Barcelona with two great goals and an assist for Neymar. Barcelona now take a commanding 3 goal lead to Germany. Messi magic yet again the difference against a resolute Bayern side that was understrength. Barca surely in the final now. Barcelona 3 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Barcelona 3 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Suarez is fouled but the ref waved advantage and that was the key. Messi found Neymar who was through on goal and this time the Brazilian is calm and composed and scores one on one. Bayern pressed far too high this time and they are caught. Tie is over surely. Barcelona 3 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL BARCELONA Barcelona 3 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Still time for Bayern to get a priceless away goal. Barca can't drop their intensity. Guardiola this time undone by Messi's magic when in years gone by he benefitted from such divine intervention. Long ball too powerful for Lewandoski to track down. Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Messi was on the periphery for much of the night but then he went bang bang and his night changed. A night of frustration turns out to be a night of joy.... Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Johnno
Guest
+1
Alan
Roar Guru
Barca a goal away from sealing a place in the final surely. 3 nil would be too much for Bayern. 88' - Bartra is on for Mascherano. Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Pleasure to watch Johnno. That's why its worth getting up a 4.45am to blog this. Rafinha is on for Iniesta. Bayern though are understrength and a fit Ribery, Robben and Alaba would have caused Barca's defence huge problems. Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Still time for Bayern to grab a vital away goal. They have been good tonight but Messi's magic the difference yet again. Still game on though. Barca must be alert at the back. Rafinha is on for. Shot high and wide. Goalkick for Barca. Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Johnno
Guest
Bang Bang, 2 stealth bullets and that's that. Vamos Pumas Alan
Alan
Roar Guru
Messi now leads the goalscorer charts in the CL with 10 goals. Suarez is through here but he shoots over the bar from an angle. Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Rakitic is off for Xavi. I would have left him on. Rakitic really good defensive midfielder. Bayern can still cause damage with an away goal.... Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Top, top shelf goal.
Alan
Roar Guru
Messi the king! The Messiah! The prophet once again answers the call for Barca! Messi with a superb chip over Neuer after leaving Boateng for dead in the area! The Argentine has come to life after an ordinary 70 odd minutes. Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Barca have to be careful here and not press too high. Space now on the counter for Barca. Messi with another goal!!!!!! GOAL BARCELONA Barcelona 2 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Muller is gone and Gotze comes on for Bayern. Barcelona now have something to protect. Messi with his ninth goal of the Champions League this season. Equal with Ronaldo. Barcelona 1 Bayern 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Messi the king! The left foot of gold from outside the area beat Neuer at the near post! Sweet strike and boy did Barca need that!!!! Barcelona 1 Bayern 0