Barca and Sanchez back in the groove
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE holders Barcelona continued their defence of Europe’s most prestigious club title with an ultimately convincing 3-1 last 16 first leg victory away against German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Pep Guardiola’s side have fallen 10 points adrift of Real Madrid in the race for the Spanish league title but they underpinned their status as tournament favourites last night following a high class second half display.
Lionel Messi’s magnificent lofted pass with the outside of his left foot created the opening for Alexis Sanchez slide Barca ahead five minutes before the break, but Michal Kadlec equalised with a header from on loan Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka’s cross shortly after the re-start.
Barca responded like champions and restored their advantage two minutes later through Sanchez before Messi prodded home the third late on following unselfish work from Dani Alves.
In the night’s other match Alexandre Lacazette’s deflected goal gave Lyon a 1-0 home win over APOEL Nicosia.