Lionel Messi helps Barcelona destroy Bayern

Updated on: 09 April,2009 08:06 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Barcelona took a giant step towards the semi-finals of the Champions League yesterday thrashing Bayern Munich 4-0 at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona took a giant step towards the semi-finals of the Champions League yesterday thrashing Bayern Munich 4-0 at the Nou Camp.

Barca's rampant strikeforce did the damage in a completely one-sided first half.

The Catalans raced into a two-goal lead within 12 minutes as Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o struck early on.

With striker Miroslav Klose out injured and Lukas Podolski set to leave the club at the end of the season, Bayern began with Italy striker Luca Toni alone up front.

But Barcelona, with only Eric Abidal missing from their strongest XI, fielded a customary attack-minded line-up.

With Xavi and Andres Iniesta pulling the strings in midfield and Messi, Eto'o and Henry causing havoc up front, Pep Guardiola's side soon took control of the game.

The Catalans tore the visitors' defence apart with a flowing move and Eto'o set up Messi, who drilled a neat finish past Hans-Jorg Butt to open the floodgates.

And three minutes later, Messi returned the compliment as he slid a deadly ball into the path of Eto'o and the Cameroon striker clinically slotted past the helpless Butt.

Then, Henry beat his marker for pace on the left and flashed a low centre across the six-yard box which Messi poked home with his outstretched right leg to give Barcelona a three-goal lead.

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