Few superlatives do Lionel Messi’s
form in 2015 justice, but the statistics speak for themselves. Thirteen
games in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League have brought 17 goals
and eight assists.
Manchester City arrived at Camp Nou aiming to
overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit but with the Argentine in this kind of
form, they stood little chance.
An enthralling display was best
summed up by a single moment in the 38th minute, at the expense of
James Milner. Seemingly trapped in little space near the right
touchline, Messi nutmegged the England winger as he approached, leaving
him sprawled on the turf before moving into space in the centre of the
pitch.
In the stands, his former coach and mentor Pep Guardiola
covered his face in disbelief. Not long afterwards, Messi subjected
Fernandinho to the same trick.
He had made his most important contribution moments earlier.
Brilliantly controlling the ball in the inside-right channel, Messi
stepped away from his man and curled a superb pass into the path of Ivan
Rakitic, who put Barcelona ahead.
That made it 3-1 on aggregate
and left City facing an uphill struggle but Messi did not relent. He
completed seven dribbles in the first half alone, only two fewer than
every other player on the pitch combined in the first 45 minutes.
The only thing missing was a goal, but that was not for lack of trying;
Joe Hart, in the Manchester City goal, was his only rival for the man
of the match award.
Sergio Aguero could have put the pressure on
the hosts late in the game, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved his
penalty. As is often the case, Messi and Barcelona were just too good.
Title : sports - Genius Moment: Messi nutmegs Milner and inspires Barcelona to the last eight
Description : Few superlatives do Lionel Messi’s form in 2015 justice, but the statistics speak for themselves. Thirteen games in La Liga and the UEFA...