Spartak Moscow vs. FC Barcelona: Unstoppable Messi puts the Catalans into last sixteen (0-3)

Moscow (FCB).- Barça made no mistake in Moscow and imposed every facet of their game on a helpless Spartak as they stormed into the knockout stage of the Champions League. FC Barcelona had clearly done their homework since the setback in Glasgow, and while showing no problems adapting either to the cold or the artificial turf in the Luzhniki Stadium, they had the game as good as decided in the first 45 minutes in which they played deep and found the net when it mattered.

Alves opens

The most outstanding element of Tito Vilanova’s selection was the presence of all of Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Cesc Fàbregas and Iniesta, the latter out on the left. With a midfield like that, it was no surprise that Barça dominated the possession as much as they have done all season. The tempo was entirely under their control, the issue was converting that situation into goalscoring opportunities, and following one narrow miss for each side (Pedro for the visitors and Kombarov from a corner for the Russians), Barça went 1-0 ahead thanks to an Alves strike following yet another moment of titanic magic from Leo Messi (min 16).

Messi brace

The FC Barcelona goal caused an immediate reaction among the Muscovites, and for a while Spartak even founded themselves controlling the pace. There were moments of danger in both areas, but Barça made better use of theirs, and in the 26^th minute Messi made it two after pouncing on the rebound following an attempt by Iniesta. The game continued at a frenetic pace, and although Spartak had their moments, Barça were still looking more convincing in attack, with one individual move by an Iniesta surrounded by defenders being particularly impressive. As was the third goal, converted by Messi in the 39^th minute and assisted by Pedro, whose penetrating runs had been a constant nightmare for the Russian defence.

All under control

Spartak reacted after the break, but Barça were expecting that and coped brilliantly in defence while both Cesc Fàbregas (min 54) and Pedro (min 56) had chances to extend the FC Barcelona lead. As Barça regained their composure, the home side’s ambition was slowly worn down as they realised that time was running out. The only real worry of the second half came when Valdés clashed with Welliton in the 67^th minute and needed attention.

There was little more to the second half. The Russians knew they were soundly beaten, and for FC Barcelona it was merely a case of grinding down the clock. However, Vilanova reserved his substitutions until the last ten minutes, with Deulofeu making a particularly impressive impact after coming on.

All told, it was another excellent all-round performance from the Catalans, and with one game still to play, they can already celebrate qualification for the Champions League’s second round.