It’s an absolute disaster for Chelsea as three minutes of Barcelona possession straight from kick off has been ultimately rewarded with the opener from Lionel Messi.
Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic dictated play in Chelsea’s half straight away, but there was no penetration before the ball was suddenly in the back of the net.
19 - After failing to score in his first 10 Champions League appearances against English teams, Lionel Messi has since netted 19 goals in his last 18 games. Haunt.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2018
Messi tried to play a one-two with Ousmane Dembele at the top of the box, but a deflection brought it to Luis Suarez. Suarez played a first-time pass to Messi, who’d continued his run, and he slipped his finish through the legs of Thibaut Courtois.
Barcelona now lead 2-1 on aggregate, and Chelsea’s initial game plan has certainly been tossed out the window.
#Messi opens the scoring for #Barça!!! Honored with a tifo before kickoff, and now he's given the home side a dream start vs #CFC! 1-0 on the night, 2-1 on aggregate. Magic. #KingLeo #BarçaChelsea #FCBCFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/WkmyBXcmBR
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) March 14, 2018
Messi nutmegs Courtois at the near post to give Barcelona their dream start! pic.twitter.com/lm0TOBODpr
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 14, 2018