Champions League — 03 April 2013

Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored against PSG, but off the pitch injuredLast night’s Champions League quarter-final first legs produced two very entertaining games.

In Paris PSG drew 2-2 with Spanish giants Barcelona. The visitors took the lead through a typical Lionel Messi effort on 38th minutes.

Daniel Alves found the Argentinian with fantastic pass with the side of his foot and Messi produced a sublime volley past Salvatore Sirigu in the PSG goal.

Unfortunately for the Catalans Messi limped off at half-time and was replaced by Spanish international midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

PSG defensive midfielder Blaise Matuidi was booked on 65 minutes, which means he will miss the second leg in the Nou Camp. Former-Barca ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled the scores with 11 minutes remaining.

The Sweden international pounced to score from an offside position, after Thiago Silva’s header had come back off the inside of the Barcelona post. The visitors regained the lead on 89 minutes, as Salvatore Sirigu brought down Alexis Sanchez in the penalty area and Xavi made no mistake from the penalty spot.

PSG wasn’t finished though and four minutes into stoppage the home side equalised. Ibrahimovic nodded the ball down to Matuidi and the midfielder’s effort somehow squirmed under the body of Victor Valdes.

In the other tie of the night Bayern defeated Juventus 2-0 at the Allianz Arena. Bayern got off to a flying start, taking the lead after just 25 seconds. Austrian international David Alaba struck a long-range effort which took the deftest of touches off Arturo Vidal and beat Gianluigi Buffon in the Juve goal.

Bayern got a deserved second goal in the 63rd minute. Luiz Gustavo’s long-range effort was only parried by Buffon and Thomas Muller was there to tap home the second goal for the Bavarians. Juventus now face an uphill struggle to progress into the last four.

Can Bayern Munich win the Champions League this season?

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David Nugent

David is a 29 year-old football fan and journalist, who is passionate about the beautiful game. He is a lifelong supporter of Premier League Everton and likes nothing better than a healthy discussion about the world's favourite sport.

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