afpCaptain Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas scored the goal that makes his team can force a draw 2-2 with Barcelona in the first leg quarter-final duel with the Champions League, Wednesday (31/3/2010). These results make Arsenal into the semi-final chances remain intact.
Playing at home, Arsenal got depressed, especially at the beginning of the first half. Setidakanya during the first eighteen minutes, they were bombarded by Barcelona's defense.
In the sixth minute, for example, Lionel Messi out of the guard and release the kick, which unfortunately had pushed over Almunia.
Not even one minute, Barcelona continued its pressure through Zlatan Ibrahimovic. From the middle of the penalty box, bait ball Ibahimovic gore Dani Alves, who unfortunately flew high above the crossbar Almunia.
Arsenal's threat was not made immediately rose. They still looked passive and less insistent, both in pursuit of the ball and when to defend. Barcelona also more freedom to attack. Unfortunately, luck is not with them.
How not, in minute 14, Barcelona again created waves through Ibrahimovic goal threat and Xavi. However, both crude shot in the hand Almunia.
Furthermore, although not seriously threatened again, Arsenal are still difficulties to escape from the dictation of Barcelona. Began to improve their game, when the game entered the 18th minute.
Indeed, Arsenal could not immediately be able to urge the visitors. However, they began to appear passionate and stubborn, especially when losing the ball.
The stadium that was less enthusiastic torn into festive when Arsenal finally managed to launch an attack that led to opportunities with goals from Nasri feet. Unfortunately, his shot from inside the penalty box off a bit from the left goalpost mast in Barcelona.
After that, Barcelona is still capable of dominating the ball mastery. However, they no longer can freely move. The movement of the ball and they started to read your opponent player, who is now able to react quickly to anticipate.
In the midst of rising business. Arsenal even get in trouble, following an injury to Andrei Arshavin in the 27th minute. However, replacing Emmanuel Eboue who signed it can improve the balance of the game to Arsenal.
In addition to successfully reduce the opponent's pressure, Arsenal also managed to improve their attacking capabilities. Having survived the threat of Ibrahimovic in the 33rd minute, Arsenal managed to escape attacks by Diaby in the 35th minute. At that time, utilizing a cross Bendtner, Diaby gore ball which unfortunately strayed to the right side of the net.
Action continued attacking each other. However, scores did not change until halftime whistle.
Entering the second half, Barcelona quickly return to showing the game that directly led to goals by Ibrahimovic feet. Utilizing the bait Gerard Pique, Ibrahimovic ball tossed into the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal tried to get up and reply to that goal. After berjibaku until minute 53, they managed to create an opportunity to equate excellence through Bendtner. Utilizing a cross Gael Clichy, his header successfully blocked Valdes.
Arsenal's failure to make more and more curious and boost the attack. However, instead of an equalizer, they again miss Ibrahimovic scored in the 59th minute. Having mastered the bait Xavi at Arsenal penalty box, he still had time to controll ball before kicking the ball into the middle of the goal Almunia.
Left behind two goals, Arsenal refused to surrender. They only became more insistent attack. After struggling, Arsenal finally managed to shorten the distance thanks to a goal Theo Walcott in the 68th minute. Having mastered the bait Bendtner, Walcott kick off an urgent goal nets Barcelona.
The goal was to make the game more fun and balanced. Arsenal managed to improve the mastery of the ball and forcing Barcelona decrease the pressure. Action mutual assault ensued. Unfortunately, the second line works pretty good defender to break the enemy's attack. Opportunities created are increasingly rare.
Deadlock was finally broken when the referee brandishing a red card to Carles Puyol on the infraction in the penalty box on 83 minutes. Fabregas who took the penalty, managed to outwit Valdes. While he strikes the ball to right, instead dropping Valdes body to the left.
The success and fewer soldiers leveled opponent makes Arsenal continue to add tension. However, despite not being broken, their efforts failed to produce additional goals to the long whistle sounded.
From the two rounds was the match, Arsenal recorded a mastery of the ball for 35 percent and created three golden opportunity from six attempts. Meanwhile, Barcelona off ten shots on goal from 23 experiments.
The second leg matches will be held at the Camp Nou, Tuesday (6/4/2010).
The composition of players:Arsenal: 1-Manuel Almunia; 22-Gaël Clichy, 5-Thomas Vermaelen, 10-William Gallas (15-Denilson 45), 3-Bacary Sagna (14-Theo Walcott 64), 23-Andrei Arshavin (27-Emmanuel Eboue 27 ), 2-Abou Diaby, 17-Alexandre Song Billong, 8-Samir Nasri, 4-Cesc Fabregas, Nicklas Bendtner, 52
Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes; 19-Maxwell, 5-Carles Puyol, 3-Gerard Pique, 2-Dani Alves; 6-Xavi, 16-Sergi Busquets, Seydou Keita, 15, 9-Zlatan Ibrahimovic (14-Thierry Henry 75 ), 17-Pedro, 10-Lionel Messi (18-Gabriel Milito 87)
