London : England’s Arsenal club taught a lesson to world’s soccer powerhouse and Champions League favourites Barcelona with 2-1 results at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin struck as England’s club staged a brilliant comeback after David Villa fired for Barcelona as the world’s best team ahead combining with Lionel Messi’s pass.
But the Spanish club’s tactic faded with storms of gunners’ attacks with Dutch play maker Van Persie leading the side on 79 minutes before Russian Andrey Arshavin smashed home a superb winner.
The England club?s first leg success comes barely 24 hours after their north London rivals Tottenham shocked Serie A leaders AC Milan 1-0.
Spain’s champ Barcelona fought hard with Lionel Messi in the front but the Gunners held tight the fort to win the first leg 2-1.
Arsenal’s defence, at time, was really shaking when Iniesta and Messi through on goal.
Manager for Arsenal Arsene Wenger with his youthful side had said the Gunners were determined to prove they were a different team to the one humbled 6-3 on aggregate last season.
Barcelona looked on command as they protected the first-half advantage given to them by David Villa.
But in the second session everything was upside down for the visitors as the Catalans wasted many chances, even with Lionel Messi, leaving the door open for the Gunners to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive in spectacular fashion.
Robin van Persie levelled 12 minutes from time with a shot that eluded Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes at his near post before substitute Andrey Arshavin put Arsenal into the chorus of joy at the Emirates.