Barcelona draw against Arsenal, Puyol sees the red

Barcelona FC of Spain on Wednesday night drew 2-2 against Arsenal FC of England at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The match saw 4 goals scored in the second half after a scoreless first half.

Barcelona clearly dominated the first half of the game with more than 15 shots on target while Arsenal had less than 5. Ball possession was 70% to 30% in favor of Barça. They controlled all aspects of the game, they dazzled the fans with delicious football, they had several shots on goal but no goal came. The host managed to contain the visitors throughout the first half.

The second half resumed with more hostility from Barcelona, ​​leading to their opening goal in the first minute through Ibrahimovic, who made a solo run and pressured the ball past a running Arsenal goalkeeper. The pressure continued; and this paid off again for Barcelona on 59 minutes when Ibrahimovic made the two for the visitors after a defensive error by Alexander Song. The bombardment continued but no more goals came.

Arsene Wenger made a smart change, bringing on Walcott to replace Sagna on 65 minutes. Just 4 minutes after coming on, Walcott pulled one back for Arsenal on 69 minutes through a Bendtner pass. Thereafter, Arsenal, whose ball possession had slightly improved to 40%, began to regain more confidence. He continued to play with determination and at minute 84 Cecs Fábregas was fouled by Puyol in the penalty area which led to a red card from the central referee. The resulting penalty was perfectly converted by Cecs Fabregas for Arsenal’s equalizer.

Yellow cards were awarded to some players from both sides, notably Emmanuel Eboue, Cecs Fabregas, Abou Diaby and Puyol received a red card disqualifying him for the second leg in Spain. Fabregas also limped off the field, raising questions about his ability to play his next game.

Barcelona got 2 vital goals away from home and Arsenal were lucky not to have conceded defeat at home. Arsene Wenger was visibly happy at the final whistle signaling the end of the heart-pounding match. His boys didn’t lose the game after all. They still have hopes in the second leg that takes place on the fourth night. the next meeting promises to be much more explosive.