UEFA Champs: Magical Messi Puts Bayern, Guardiola To Sword

Lionel Messi provided the extra piece of magic needed to beat a goalkeeper of Manuel Neuer’s quality by grabbing two second-half goals before Neymar grabbed a late third to put Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich to the sword yesterday night.

Neuer put in a formidable performance to deny the likes of Neymar and Luis Suarez in the first half, however he was finally beaten in the 77th minute.

Messi struck from long range to beat Neuer at the near post before grabbing a second after an outstanding run through the heart of Bayern’s defence.

True, they left it late, but Barcelona finally forced open the floodgates after another Lionel Messi masterclass at Camp Nou.

The Argentine fired home after 77 minutes and doubled the lead with a delightful chip over Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer from six metres three minutes later.

Neymar completed a resounding late burst when he raced clear and slotted calmly home in stoppage time.

It was a disappointing evening for Bayern coach Pep Guardiola on his return to his former club.

He had warned before the game that it was impossible to stop his former prodigy Messi and it proved the case as the Argentine orchestrated Barcelona’s emphatic victory that gives them a clear advantage heading into next week’s second leg. It was going to need something special to beat the magnificent Manuel Neuer. Barcelona had that. They had Lionel Messi.

The game looked to be heading for a draw when Messi took charge. The first was a fine goal, a shot from mid-range. The second was, clearly, an oil-painting of a goal. A masterclass.