Four European heavyweights from the four big European soccer nations headlined the UEFA Champions League day today as Arsenal took on Barcelona and Juventus played Bayern Munich. Both games seemed to have opposite effects as the games were simultaneously being played.
Arsenal 0-2 Barcelona
Arsenal stayed tough for 70 minutes, not allowing a shot on target and only allowing one shot on target in that span. But Arsenal just couldn’t hold off Barcelona forever and Lionel Messi made sure the defending champs got the lead.
Then Mathieu Flamini’s first action as a sub in the game was a foul on Messi in the box and Barcelona got a penalty. Messi converted and has put the series all but out of reach of Arsenal.
Lionel Messi doubles Barcelona's lead with a clinical penalty, a huge, second away goal. #UCLonFOX @HeinekenSoccer https://t.co/cUfYoZViB3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 23, 2016
Arsenal must score three goals at the Nou Camp in the return leg March 16 in order to advance to the quarterfinals. Since it seemed tough for Arsenal to keep it 0-0 for 90 minutes at the Emirates, I can’t possibly see Arsenal coming back. If there’s a silver lining, at least they can focus on winning the Premier League title.
Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich
The last time Juventus allowed a goal in all competitions was against Sampdoria on January 10, nine games and 879 minutes ago. Then Bayern Munich came in and Thomas Muller broke that, scoring right before halftime.
In the second half, Bayern kept their scoring boots on as Arjen Robben finished a great chance to put them up 2-0 and like Barcelona, seemingly put the game away.
You know it's coming, but you just can't stop it. A typical Robben goal doubles Bayern's lead. @HeinekenSoccer #UCL https://t.co/bIyH4gc35N
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 23, 2016
But unlike Arsenal, Juventus clawed back. Just eight minutes later, Paulo Dybala scored to pull the game within a goal.
Paulo Dybala's first-ever #UCL goal gets Juventus back in the game and the tie. @HeinekenSoccer https://t.co/qJIIY28RBO
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 23, 2016
Then, Stefano Sturaro equalized in the 76th minute as Juventus hung onto the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich. Bayern still has the away goal advantage but Juventus at least knows that victory is still possible for them.
The substitutes Morata and Sturaro combine to draw Juventus level vs Bayern. What a comeback! @HeinekenSoccer #UCL https://t.co/sPni78v59D
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 23, 2016
Tomorrow, leg one of the round of 16 will wrap up as Dynamo Kyiv face Manchester City and PSV Eindhoven play Atletico Madrid. Both provide intriguing matchups as the visiting teams are both vastly more talented but must go to far and tough locales to play on the road.
