Champions, Barcelona eased into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League tonight with a 3-1 second-leg victory over Arsenal at the Nou Camp.
Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Lionel Messi forced David Ospina into a stunning save from close range, before Neymar slotted home a low finish.
Mohamed Elneny lashed in for Arsenal in the second half but Luis Suarez struck a stunning volley for Barcelona. Danny Welbeck hit the woodwork before Messi chipped in a sublime third.
UPDATE
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign is over for another season, despite a spirited performance in Spain.
In an entertaining encounter, in which both teams had plenty of chances, it was the clinical finishing of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi which proved to be the difference.
Neymar got the ball rolling when he slotted home on 20 minutes to make it 3-0 on aggregate.
Mohamed Elneny’s first goal in Arsenal colours early in the second half threatened to spark the unlikeliest of comebacks, but Barcelona extinguished those hopes when Suarez volleyed home into the top corner.
Danny Welbeck later hit the woodwork, and Alexis Sanchez had a free-kick clawed away by Andre ter Stegen, but Barcelona – and not surprisingly Messi – had the last word when he deftly lifted the ball over David Ospina for the third.
It was tough on Arsenal, who must now regroup for the trip to Everton for the early Saturday kick-off in the Premier League.
ELOMBAH.COM