Leo Messi came off the bench to play a key role as Barcelona edged into the semi-finals of the Champions League and maintained their hopes of winning a third European Cup at Wembley, helping to create the equaliser which sent the Catalans through on away goals.
Barcelona had hoped not to need him but Javier Pastore's strike forced their hand and, although they progressed to a unique sixth consecutive semi-final, this was not the way they would have wanted it.The sense of vulnerability was palpable throughout a game in which they were never safe and improvements must be made if they are to reach a third final in five years. Barcelona were unable to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the two clashes and there may yet be a price to pay: Messi was called upon ahead of time and he finished the game limping slightly, while the converted centre-back Adriano was taken off with cramp. Another defender injured. Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol may not return until the final weeks of the season.
Messi started on the bench, with Cesc Fábregas taking his place as the false No9 alongside Pedro and David Villa in the front three. For Fábregas, it is the position in which he probably feels most comfortable. In his last match there, four days ago, he had scored the first hat-trick of his career. In the opening minutes, it appeared that the alternative could be an effective one here too, with a flurry of approaches, but the momentum soon drained away and this was not his night.
Barcelona lacked the speed of passing that has characterised them in recent years; even Sergio Busquets, arguably their second most consistent performer this season, appeared off the pace. Until Messi came on, the home side looked like they lacked confidence and the final whistle was greeted with relief. The best chances fell PSG's way and Barcelona had only one more shot on target than the visitors. But, when they needed him, they had Messi. The problem really was that they did need him.
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