"Messiful" Barca white-wash Leverkusen

Reigning World Player of the year, Lionel Messi was a five star attraction yesterday. The Argentine forward scored five goals for FC Barcelona in a Champions League match that was played at the Camp Nou. Messi has created a new scoring record in the history of the tournament. Bayer Leverkuen were trailing the Pep Guardiola led team by three goals to one from their first leg defeat at the Bay Arena, but the Germans suffered their heaviest defeat in the history if the competition. The game eventually ended 7-1. Two first half goals from Messi indicated the intention of the defending Champions for a goal spree that was completed in the second half of the match. The Germans left their defence unguarded on several occasions and Barcelona players like Xavi,Insiesta and Keita exchanged accurate passes in the midfield to get the ball behind the German defence. Messi's first goal came in the 25th minute when he latched on to a pass from Xavi to chip the ball over the Leverkusen goalie. A dazzling run from the left side of the visitors was made by the Argentine in the 44th minute to double his team's advantage on the night. It was 3-0 after 49 minutes as Messi chipped the ball over Leon(goal keeper) to complete his hat trick.

 Debutant Christiano Tello also grabbed a brace in the match before Messi scored two more goals for his team. Bellarabi's late consolation was too little as the Germans crashed out on a 10-2 aggregate. The Catalans equalled the biggest scoreline in the knock out phase of the Champions League that was set by Manchester United in 2007. That match ended 7-1. Barcelona have joined AC Milan,Benfica and Apoel Nicosia in the last eight of the competition.