IN SPORT.ES
All things come to an end, eventually. 730 minutes later, Lionel Messi finally scored against Chelsea.
This was his ninth game against the Blues and he had not yet found the net, but he left Thibaut Courtois with no chance when Andres Iniesta teed him up in the 75th minute.
Messi’s strike could prove to be a vital away goal, with the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou on March 14.
That was largely down to Willian, who performed superbly, hitting the post twice and eventually sending Chelsea ahead with a drilled effort from the edge of the area.
Barcelona dominated possession in the first half but Chelsea were the more dangerous side.
Eden Hazard hammered an effort fractionally off target and Willian left Ter Stegen frozen with a strike that curled onto the keeper’s post.
Before the break Willian was at it again, rocketing in a strike which struck the near post.
Eventually Willian scored, but then eventually Messi did too, as Barcelona burst into life when Andreas Christensen’s poor pass allowed Iniesta to beat Cesar Azpilicueta to the ball and square for the Argentine.
It was a moment of fortune which undid Antonio Conte’s superbly drilled back-line.
And a moment on which this tie could hinge.