beIN SPORTS

By Andreas Vou (@AndreasVou89)

A goal each for FC Barcelona’s devastating front three secured what, on paper, appeared to be an easy win at the Camp Nou against a deflated Arsenal side, though anyone watching the game knows it was no vintage performance from the home side.

A battling performance from the Gunners seemed to catch Luis Enrique’s side off guard, highlighting the absence of one individual in particular, though the ability of Barça’s strike force again proved impossible to contain.

In the first leg, Barça managed to win without being dominant, which away from home at a place like the Emirates is no disgrace. But at Camp Nou, where the objective is always perfection, Barça were far from it for large parts of the game.

Pique’s absence

Whereas Arsene Wenger sprung a few surprises in his starting lineup, namely the inclusion of 19-year-old Alex Iwobi, Luis Enrique was not keen on taking any chances, fielding his strongest possible lineup bar one that was enforced.

Being a Barça defender is touted as an easy job but Wednesday night proved just how much of a difference Gerard Pique makes to the side, who was suspended due for a late booking at the Emirates.

Arsenal showed positive intent with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Iwobi and Danny Welbeck causing problems for the Barça backline. A flurry of Arsenal chances ensued towards end of the first half – Elneny taking too long to strike from eight yards out allowing Mathieu to block before Alexis Sanchez skewed his close range header wide.

Another flowing move down the left moments later saw a neat one-two between Welbeck and Iwobi which the England striker steered well wide.

Mascherano appeared uncharacteristically uncomfortable on the right side of the center of defense and Arsenal even had a claim for a penalty as the Argentine came together with Iwobi in the box.

More dangerous than ever

But despite Arsenal’s respectable display, what separates Barça from the rest is their relentless front three and their ability to turn on the style whenever they please. 

As with the opener for the first in London, Barça opened the scoring with a few touches, one to dispossess, another from Suarez to play Neymar through who then slotted the ball past the keeper.

Arsenal’s deserved leveler eventually came six minutes after the restart with a sweet strike from Elneny, but it was inevitable that it would spark Barça into life.

A few minutes later, as if with the flick of a switch, a lovely exchange between Messi and Neymar forced a good save from David Ospina to deny the Argentine, as was the case in the first half too.

Mascherano redeems 

Reminiscent of his block five years ago to deny Nicklas Bendtner right at the death to help Barça through to the quarter finals, a heroic block from Mascherano to prevent Welbeck putting Arsenal ahead was the turning point. 

Whereas Arsenal were unable to take a golden chance, Barça took the lead eight minutes later from an effort that only a handful of players could pull off. Out of very little, Suarez’s sideways scissors kick put the tie to bed.

Not to be outdone by his strike partners, Messi still had time at the very end to add his name to the scoresheet to wrap up Barça’s place in the quarter finals for the ninth consecutive season.

Past Barça sides used to dominate in terms of both possession and chances but it did not always guarantee success. For the majority of this tie, they lulled in second gear before springing into life when it mattered. Whether this is a sustainable tactic for the rest of the competition against tougher opponents remains to be seen.