Certainly some untoward incident early in the match did show sign that it was not going to be Arsenal night. With goalkeeper Szeschny being replace as early in the 19th minute by Almunia for damaging his fingers. To add more woes with Arsenal they did not step up into the match allowing too much room for Spanish champions or there are just simply to good.
It nearly worked for Arsenal until late in injury time just before the break when the unexpected happen. The tireless and the hardworking Barca side continues pressing hard to find the opening goal. An uncharacteristic error by captain Cesc Fabregas outside the box allowing Iniesta to seize the opportunity slide in the ball for Messi to finish it from close range.
But in the second half Barcelona were stunned when the visitor find the equaliser courtesy of Sergei Busquets header direct from Arsenal first corner kick after the restart by Nasri. As Arsenal begin to have a grip on to the match. They suffered a huge blow when Robin Van Persie recieved his second yellow and was red carded by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca. It does look harsh and it was too much of asking for 10 men Arsenal to match their far more superior opponent.
With 10 men, Arsenal living dangerously and it took just a matter of time for Barca to be back into a 2-1 lead through Xavi and level on 3-3 aggregate in the 69th minute. With thousand of Arsenal travelling fans expected the match going into extra time which never came by. Only two minute later they were awarded for a penalty.
Koscielny hook Pedro in the box with Messi calmly converted from the spot for his second of the night and clearly it was all written on the wall the game has finish.
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