Barca run rampant

I was unable to watch the first game today, Bordeaux v. Olympiacos, but Bordeaux won the game and the tie and are into the quarters.

I did get to watch the Barcelona-Stuttgart game (of course) and what a beauty it was, for Barca fans. Unsurprisingly, Henry started the match with Messi and Pedro flanking him. The game started out just how Barca wanted, taking control and possession early and finding the net early. Another wonder strike from the best player in the world and Barca were off and running. Messi looked like he was out of space but somehow got the shot off and beat Leahmann. Barca got their second soon after with Messi the creator this time and Yaya Toure sliding it across for Pedro to tap home. Barca continued to push and came close a couple times in the first half but were unable to score again.

Stuttgart looked completely over matched and were unable to do anything to stop the Barca onslaught. Messi found the net again with another superb move. Pedro down the right slotted it back to Dani Alves who back heeled to Messi. Messi let the ball slide across him as he turned the defender and then wrong footed Leahmann. The only worry for Barca the entire game came when Sergio Busquets had to come off due to some sort of shin injury. However, when he comes off and you are able to bring Zlatan Ibrahimavic in, it is hard to say its a bad thing.

Ibra looked good and involved even if he didn't manage a goal of his own. It is positive to see him back in the lineup healthy and looking good. Ibra also finished the game with a brilliant thru ball between the legs of the defender to the on rushing Bojan Krkic who took one touch in the entire game and it ended up in the back of the net.

Fun game to watch for the casual observer or any Barca fan as they completely dominated and found the goals too. They join Bordeaux, Lyon, Bayern, Man U, Arsenal, CSKA Moscow, and Inter Milan in the final 8. The draw is Friday to see who plays who in the next rounds!