Barcelona Vs. Chelsea, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Lionel Messi Hits Side Netting

In both halves of the first leg between Barcelona and Chelsea, there were periods where the defenses started out a bit shaky, then got progressively more organized as the half went on. The same thing has happened in the opening minutes of this game, and both Pep Guardiola and Roberto Di Matteo will be hoping that this adjustment period doesn't take very long.

Javier Mascherano was skinned by Ashley Cole and Ramires just 18 seconds in, and that was followed up by a good chance going the other way shortly afterwards. In the 4th minute, Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez played a great one-two combination down the right, eventually setting up Messi for a shot. Messi usually hits the target or cuts back in this situation, but disappointingly hit his shot into the side netting.