Barca Hit Five

Barcelona's Champions League campaign kicked-off last night with a win against Panathinaikos and are now top of Group D. Three days after the shock defeat by Hercules, Pep's men are back on track.


It was Panathinaikos who took the lead, 20 minutes into the game. A route one ball by the keeper was flicked to the path of Govou, who beat Eric Abidal for pace to score and put the Greek Champions one up.


Barcelona responded immediately with a goal from Messi, who ran onto a perfectly weighted ball by Xavi and placed it past Greek keeper Alexandros Tzorvas.


David Villa gave his team the lead in the 33rd minute after a corner kick, Villa who was unmarked at the back post slotted in for his first Champions League goal for Barcelona. A few minutes later Pedro nearly put the Catalans three up with a sublime header from the edge of the area, only to just miss the target.


Messi missed a chance to double his tally when his shot hit the crossbar. Not to be deterred, Messi scored again 2 minutes before the end of the first half, picking the ball up surrounding by defenders he played a one-two with Xavi then a one-two with Pedro before calmly placing the ball into the corner of the net. This was Messi's 27th goal in the Champions League and makes him Barca's all time top goal scorer in the competition, ahead of Rivaldo.


The Second Half

Barcelona started the 2nd half with the same drive and fluent passing that they showed in the first 45minutes. 

Messi had a chance to get his hat trick shortly after the restart with a penalty but failed to convert his spot kick. Pedro made it four in the 77th minute when Messi's shot rebound off both post, and he was on hand to tap it in.

Dani Alves rounded off a spectacular Barca performance with a goal in injury time, Messi chipped the ball over the defence and Alves lobbed the keeper with a delicate header.