By Alan Duffy
A late Lionel Messi-inspired flurry of goals secured a 3-0 home win for Barcelona against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s Bayern side worked hard from the start to stifle their hosts.
Luis Suarez did have a great chance to open the scoring early on, only to be denied by Manuel Neuer in the Bayern goal.
The Bundesliga champions almost took the lead with Robert Lewandowski failing to make the most of a Thomas Muller centre.
Barcelona were struggling to break down the Germans, but with just 13 minutes left, Lionel Messi finally broke the deadlock after some dismal defending from the visitors.
Three minutes later, Messi struck again, this time courtesy of a magnificent solo effort which saw him leave Jerome Boateng on his backside before deftly chipping Neuer. The goal also put the Argentine wizard top of the all-time Champions League goal rankings, with 77 (one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo).
Bayern pushed for a precious away goal but were then caught out again, with Neymar calmly finishing to put the Catalan giants in the driving seat.
Luis Enrique’s side will now be overwhelming favourites now to reach the final.
Highlights…
Photos: Getty Images
Highlights: Footytube
Vine: Ryan Hill