If you decided to watch Liverpool’s match against Napoli on Wednesday night, you missed out on a cracking game in London.
Tottenham Hotspur hosted Barcelona at Wembley and Lionel Messi was sensational in the Champions League tie. The Catalan club recorded a 4-2 win over Spurs in a very open match decided by two moments of genius.
Philippe Coutinho gave the visitors the lead with a strike in the second minute.
⏲ It took just 90 seconds! ⏲
Coutinho fires Barca in front at Wembley! What was Lloris doing?
Live on Virgin Media Sport Extra 1.#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/Rb0agAyS24
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 3, 2018
The Brazilian became the first Barcelona player other than Messi to score an away Champions League goal in over two years. An incredible statistic that sums up just how dependent the Spanish champions are on their captain.
Barcelona then doubled their lead with an amazing volley from Ivan Rakitic.
The Croatian channelled his inner-Tony Yeboah to smash home a stunning effort from just outside the penalty area.
"Rakitic. THAT IS SPECTACULAR!"
What a goal from Ivan Rakitic to put Barcelona 2-0 up at Wembley!#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/ROcuqUZp4O
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 3, 2018
Harry Kane pulled a goal back for Spurs. The England captain stuck away a really nice finish just after half-time. He appears to be on his way back to his best form after a patchy opening few weeks of the season.
Kane pulls one back for Spurs!
Tottenham 1-2 Barcelona.
Live on Virgin Media Sport Extra 1!#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/JDsaGkpceG
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 3, 2018
However, Barcelona restored their two-goal lead thanks to a moment of genius from Messi.
The Argentine collected the ball between the lines and clipped a wonderful pass out to Jordi Alba.
The full-back took a touch and played a pass across the Spurs’ penalty area, Luis Suarez stepped over the ball and Messi arrived late into the area to cushion the ball home with his left foot.
A brilliant goal started and finished by Messi.
Magical Messi!
A beautifully worked goal by Barcelona makes it 3-1 at Wembley!#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/sBnhZwBmDy
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 3, 2018
Erik Lamela got a goal back for Tottenham.
Spurs are third, with no points from their opening two games of this season’s Champions League.
Spurs are back in it, again!
Erik Lamela's deflected strike makes it 3-2 at Wembley!#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/5m5jZH0EXT
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 3, 2018
But Messi completed his brilliant display with another goal to make it 4-2. Barcelona now top Group B with six points. Inter Milan also have six points following their 2-1 win over PSV Eindhoven.
NEVER. IN. DOUBT!
Lionel Messi secures a 4-2 win for Barcelona at Wembley!#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/x6Jwq2zHoK
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 3, 2018
Over in Naples, Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat.
Napoli were full value for their win, with Liverpool failing to create any goalscoring chances in the tie. The Italians got a deserved win thanks to Lorenzo Insigne’s stoppage-time goal.
"Insigne wants it. THERE IT IS!"
Lorenzo Insigne wins it for Napoli in the final minute against Liverpool!#VMSport #UCL pic.twitter.com/DFa8QBTgpT
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 3, 2018
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