A recap of Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, that was enough to see the Blaugrana be eligible for their sixth consecutive UEFA Champions League semi-final FC Barcelona may have left it late, but as a result of Pedro Rodrigueza 71st moment equaliser, the Blaugrana evolved to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for a sixth subsequent season. Paris Saint-Germain were positioned to eradicate BarAa after Javier Pastoreas attack set Carlo Ancelottias staff forward on 50 minutes, but with Lionel Messi entering the action after the hour-mark, Barcelona pressed forward looking for an equaliser, and eventually Pedroas purpose was richly deserved. In the end, provided the officiating in the first-leg, few can claim that the Blaugrana didnat deserve to succeed. Barcelona PSG Possession 63% 37% Full Pictures 23 16 Images on Target 2 8 Move Precision 89% 76% Fouls 11 16 Offsides 2 5 Orange Cards 1 3 Red Cards 0 0 Lionel Messi might have rejoined teaching recently, but the Argentine superstar was required to be in for a location on the counter as Tito Vilanova elected to help keep Cesc FAbregas in the centre of attack. FAbregas was registered upfront by David Villa and Pedro, who a' along side Adriano a started on his reunite from injury. Changes were made just two by paris Saint-Germain on the other hand to the XI that started last weekas 2-2 sketch, as Blaise Matuidi and David Beckham slipped out of beginning line-up meaning that Italian pair, Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti got a chance to shine on Spanish soil. Could Barcelona over come Messias slight injury and book their devote the semi-finals, or might the world be shocked by PSG with a win at the Camp Nou? Of course, this is actually the first-time in nigh-on 20 years that Paris Saint-Germain have reached the quarter-finals and therefore, nerves were to be anticipated. The Camp Nou isnat the loudest arena in Europe, but itas a daunting place you get Barcelonaas home record into consideration to visit, especially. The Blaugrana know how to extend opposing defenses, how to utilize each and every inch of the Camp Nou subject to their advantage; they know just what they should do to secure their devote the next round. Therefore, you might eliminate some of the PSG people due to their begin to the overall game. Particularly, Marco Verratti. The talented Italian was left on the seat for the initial meeting involving the two sides as Carlo Ancelotti opted for the ability of David Beckham. For the most part, it worked out well for the Parisians; so why change it? Ancelotti could have asked himself the same question as within a minute, Verratti had fouled Cesc FAbregas, giving the hosts with a in a dangerous situation. In the lack of Lionel Messi, Barcelonaas chief for the morning, Xavi, fancied his chances a and he very nearly shipped, coming within inches of Salvatore Siriguas near-post with a magnificent styling attempt. It would have now been a dream start for the Blaugrana, who were obviously not contenting themselves with their absent targets "lead." And who'd have? With Adriano completing at centre-half, Barcelonaas protection was probably at the smallest it had been all season; we all knew that PSG might produce chances consequently. The first "chance" of the night for the visitors dropped to Ezequiel Lavezzi, as the visitors appeared to establish their counter-attacking threat, but his shot was blazed by the Argentine over the bar losing a perfectly good chance to set PSG in the lead. Maybe Lavezzi was feeling a little anxious, maybe even anxious after last weekas 2-2 draw in which he was the first PSG person to be tried? Lavezzi actually had another chance to break free only moments later, but he was beaten to the ball by Gerard PiquA a' who is barely famous for his athleticism. BarAaas protection wasnat offering much opposition, but be that as it can, PSG were fighting to make the most. As though it was frighteningly apparent that they were missing their top-scorer, per normal, Barcelona were retaining the majority of ownership. Without Lionel Messi, the burden fell on AndrAs Iniesta to behave whilst the "livewire" in the BarAa strike a and while itas a role that Iniesta works well, thereas no replacement for Messi. Iniesta was able to dance past defenders and feed his teammates with good passes, but he wasnat able to have his shots off at target in the exact same manner that Messi can. Therefore, although Barcelona had mustered 11 images in less than half-an-hour, these were yet to drive Sirigu into action as both Thiago Silva and Alex put themselves at each BarAa attempt. And as they blocked the Barcelona photos, PSG received person, ready to get the sport to the Blaugrana on the counter-attack. The Camp Nou was getting anxious. Apart from Xavias free-kick in the gameas beginning stages, many the chances were being produced at the incorrect end and if not for Victor ValdAs, Barcelona could have definitely fallen behind. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the author, threading a pleasant through ball at night BarAa defense to find the function of Lavezzi; but the Argentine again couldnat capitalise. Of course, he isnat your common centre-forward, but he knew he needs to have done better as his picture was directed right at ValdAs. Lucas Moura not quite atoned for his colleagueas miss with an remarkable header at the far post after another superb pass from Ibra but the Brazilian prodigy was also denied by ValdAs. Even though his security wasnat up to the task, ValdAs was determined to keep his staff in this tie. Paris Saint-Germain continued to press forward searching for an opener, they clearly needed a goal to progress to the semi-finals; up to we pondered whether or not Messi must make an, it was worth remembering that the stress was on PSG. They mightn't have already been anticipated to advance at BarAaas expense, nevertheless the only pressure on Barcelona was that they couldnat afford to get rid of. Therefore, despite PSGas general visibility, Barcelona must have been content headed into the half-time interval; since it stood, the Blaugrana were only 45 minutes far from growing to their sixth successive semi-final. Neither manager made an alteration at the break, and consequently, it didnat take miss PSG to get wherever they left off in the first-half a' developing chances in abundance, though now, they wouldnat be so bad in front of target. And seriously, a goal had been coming; Lavezzi may and probably must have converted one of his possibilities in the first-half, while Lucas also went close. Yet again, it was as Javier Pastore exchanged a with Ibrahimovic, surging clear of Alves along the way the PSG counter-attack that was creating Barcelona issues. Despite his best efforts, the Brazilian couldnat recover in time, and Pastore kept his composure to slot the ball past Victor ValdAs at the near-post and give the guide to PSG. Barcelona were now 40 minutes from piling out of the UEFA Champions League. Lionel Messi quickly prepared himself; even with an accident, he appeared to be the only person capable of turning this sport round in BarAaas favor. Without him on the subject, the attack seemed very nearly lost; and without an, our defensive frailties would certainly prove to be our problem. But before the fray could be entered by Messi, Adriano would decrease clutching his leg; even this makeshift security couldnat remain healthy. Marc Bartra was the replacement, and finally, with significantly less than a to weave his magic, Messi joined the action. Quickly, the team grew in confidence. They may have created close to nothing without Leo on the field, however now he was on, effectively, it was almost like they remembered what they'd to accomplish. Players were moving off the ball, the tempo grew up in the ultimate third and for the first-time in the fit, PSG were forced back to their particular place. Gerard PiquA forced another fantastic stop from Alex, and while Messi can only come near to capitalising on the free ball, Iniesta followed it up with a shot of his or her own, which was also blocked. The pressure was making, and with Messi on the field, the Camp Nou group thought. They knew their side would definitely turn this tie around. And obviously, Lionel Messi will be at the front of the cost, providing David Villa in the PSG area, and in place of taking the possibility on himself, Villa teed up Pedro with an exceptional back-heel; there was only ever going to one result. Pedro rifled the ball across Sirigu, into the far corner of the net, hence cancelling out Pastoreas opener. With significantly less than 20 minutes outstanding, Barcelona were yet again set to advance to the semi-finals courtesy of the away goals judgment. Maybe it was Messias pure presence, or perhaps it was right down to Marc Bartra, but Barcelonaas defense was also looking much more confident. It helped that PSG were working out of endurance a they couldnat spring away with the exact same strength and speed that they did in the opening hour of the fit a' regardless of the cause, it was really BarAa who seemed more likely to score an additional. PSG created more and more errors as they seriously forced Barcelona in search of the ball a' Thiago Silva found a card, Lavezzi followed match and also Beckham was informed, for fighting with the umpire. Barcelonaas experience was apparent too; they took their time over every dead-ball, everything they could consider that could wind the clock down. It may have been tight, it may have needed a heroic cameo from Lionel Messi, but Barcelona were through the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the sixth consecutive year in which a link with both Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich awaits. Next up, Barcelona happen to be La Romareda to handle Real Zaragoza, nevertheless be sure to check in before then for more analysis of tonightas fit, not to mention protection of Fridayas Champions League semi-final pull. Until then, Visca el BarAa! Follow us on Twitter
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