Champions League: Round of 16, 2nd Leg

In Tuesday’s match, Lionel Messi profited from a Cesc Fabregas mistake to score just before half time, but Arsenal were quick to reply as Sergio Busquets converted a Samir Nasri corner into his own net to make it 1-1. But Arsenal were unable to resist the constant waves of Barcelona attack, as first Xavi calmly completed a typical quick passing move, then Messi finished the game off with a penalty.

Arsene Wenger placed much blame on the defeat on Robin Van Persie’s controversial sending off, where the striker received a second yellow card for playing on after the whistle was blown for off-side. Wenger attacked referee Massimo Busacca, claiming that there was no way Van Persie could have heard the whistle over the noise made by the huge Camp Nou crowd.

But in truth Barcelona’s dominance was such that Van Persie’s presence on the pitch is unlikely to have made any difference to the outcome. The stats show how Arsenal – usually so dominant in possession – had a meagre 33% of the share, and did not even manage a single shot at goal (the goal they scored was an own-goal).

But rather than Arsenal playing badly, the result was more a case of Barcelona being sublime. They retain the same philosophy of their 2008/09 Champions League victory and most of the personnel, and are arguably playing even better than then.

Joining them in the quarter final draw will be Spurs, who kept their nerve home to Milan to hold on to a 0-0 draw. Though Harry Redknapp’s side had initially planned to go out on the attack, it soon became apparent that Milan’s class would make that impossible. After their impotent performance in the first leg, many English fans wondered how on earth they were top of Serie A, but on Wednesday they showed their real class, with Clarence Seedorf especially impressive in central midfield.

But in spite of this improved display, the Italian outfit were still unable to breach Tottenham’s defence. Robinho came closest in the first-half but saw his effort blocked off the line by an on-form William Gallas, but aside from this Milan had few close chances to speak of.

Surprisingly for a team who conceded three goals against both Blackpool and Wolves in recent weeks, Spurs’ success came from a solid defensive base. Gallas and Michael Dawson were both calmly formidable at centre back, and the eye-catching Sandro’s orange boots disposed Milan countless times.

Tottenham have already progressed further than most expected, and with the skill of ruggedly closing out games added to their repertoire, who’s to say how far they can go?

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