Champions League: Lionel Messi strikes as Barcelona beats Arsenal

Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
Barcelona, the defending champion, went up against Arsenal in the first leg of its last 16 Champions League tie in London. Lionel Messi lined up alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar as the visitors went with its attacking trio known as 'MSN'.
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Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
Arsenal, second in the English Premier League, started well with Mesut Ozil finding space against the Catalan club.
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Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
Francis Coquelin was given the job of shielding the Arsenal defense against a Barcelona team which has been scoring goals for fun this season.
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Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
Andres Iniesta found himself the center of attention as Arsenal closed down its opponents at every opportunity.
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Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez, once of Barcelona, tried to get his side going as an attacking force but was left frustrated. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wasted Arsenal's best effort in the first half.
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Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal
Messi, who was kept quiet in the first half, grew into the game as Barcelona stepped up the pressure after the interval.
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Photos: Champions League: Messi shines as Barcelona beats Arsenal