Barcelona aren’t through to quarters yet: Messi

“We will take positives from this game as well”, he added. They never go down silent so that influence quite the ref every single time. The score is very good, but nothing is decided yet. I’m delighted with the result.

“We had a good performance against (United)”, he said.

While Wenger accepted Barcelona are better than his Arsenal side, he criticised the La Liga champions for the way that they react after challenges and fouls. “We need to improve from the first half but don’t forget that Bayern is a great team, you just need to see how they pass the ball”.

“We had the first chance in the first half and we created some opportunities where we weren’t able to find the final pass”.

“It was obviously a disappointing ending, I think we defended so well over 70, 80 minutes and then got punished twice”.

Messi’s two goals also broke an eight-game drought against Cech, a fact which pleased the Argentina captain.

However, the game noticeably opened up after the break and Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets believes it was Arsenal’s decision to go in search of a goal of their own that ultimately allowed the visitors to assume control of the tie.

“I thought we did really well until the first goal”.

The two teams will go head to head at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday, with the Gunners ten points clear of United in the standings, as they look to boost their title chances with a victory. They threaten Barca’s defense with couple of decent counters.

“People who understand football know that you need a first half like that to get a second half like that as well”.

The Red Devils, who have had an indifferent 2015/16 campaign, beat Shrewsbury Town 3-0 in the FA Cup on Monday before thrashing FC Midtyjlland 5-1 in a Europa League Round of 32 second leg clash last night.

The north Londoners were dramatic late winners at home to Leicester in their last Premier League game when Danny Welbeck capped his return with a last-minute victor.