The anticipated first leg of the semifinal match between Spanish team FC Barcelona against German Bayern Munich saw the Spanish side take a victory in their very own Camp Nou. The match ended with a 3-0 advantage for the Catalans, thanks to a brace by Lionel Messi and a third goal from Neymar da Silva Santos Jr.
The game was touted to be a reunion of sorts as it brings former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and ex-Barca players Thiago Alcantara and Pepe Reina back to Camp Nou for the German side, reported The Mirror. It also saw a 2014 World Cup déjà vu moment between Argentinian player Messi and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The first goal came in the 77th minute when Messi stunned the defense of Bayern Munich with a kick from outside of the box, noted Bleacher Report. Three minutes after, he struck again as he twisted away from defender Jerome Boateng to chip the ball over Neuer and into the net.
Neymar placed the final nail to the coffin with a third goal from a Messi assist during the additional injury time.
With Luis Suarez, Neymar, and Messi on the attack, the Spanish team had numerous opportunities on the first half to hit the net. The first attempt from the Barca side came from Suarez during the sixth minute, which was deftly blocked by Neuer's right leg, said ESPN FC Asia.
Barca was determined to get across Guardiola's defense and was given another chance to shoot in the 15th minute with Neymar on the attack, only to hit the far post.
During the first half, the former Barca coach was able to trick the Catalans into his play with his "high line and man-marking" strategy, which proved effective in lessening their chances to go forward.
Prior to the game, Barca coach Luis Enrique warned his players to set aside their affection for the former coach.
He said, "We aren't going into this as a game against Pep. He is the number one for what he has achieved and he's a friend, but this is such an important game for all Barca fans that it should be more important than any specific people."
Enrique added, "It's nice for the players to meet Guardiola again, but they know that this game is more important than just that."
The win gave the Catalans an advantage and one foot at the Champions League Finals.
The second leg between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich is scheduled on May 12 in Germany.
