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Lionel Messi’s magic sends Barcelona to UCL quarterfinals

By Sarah Salahpour

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 14: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after he scores his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC at Camp Nou on March 14, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 14: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after he scores his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC at Camp Nou on March 14, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona has advanced to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Chelsea.

Despite their previous struggles against Chelsea, the Blaugrana stepped up to the plate and delivered once again. Barcelona have secured their ticket to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a 4-1 aggregate win over Chelsea. Once again, Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass, netting a brace and delivering an assist to knock out Chelsea.

Despite giving up a late equalizer in the first leg, Antonio Conte’s men arrived at the Camp Nou with confidence. Due to the away goal tiebreaker, Chelsea needed to score to have a chance to advance. Overall, they did have a few chances early and created some pressure. However, their plans were quickly put to bed the second Messi stepped foot onto the pitch.

Lionel Messi, the difference

The Argentine star continues to be the difference for the Catalan side. Since the whistle was blown, Leo didn’t waste any time and instantly found the back of the net in only the third minute. A wondrous run from the right side of the field, passing by three Chelsea defenders. Ultimately, he  nutmegged Thibaut Courtois and left a packed crowd at the Camp Nou in awe of the player’s magic.

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Despite Barcelona struggling to dominate the match, Messi took things in his own hand, creating the team’s second goal. After a slip up from the Blues, the Blaugrana star drove the ball down the line and found a free Ousmane Dembele, as the Frenchman smashed the ball home, scoring his first ever goal in the Barca kit.

However, Eden Hazard and Co. turned up the intensity in the second half. Chelsea put major pressure on the Catalans but their fire was put out in the 63rd minute after Messi’s breathtaking shot to give his side the golden ticket. Not only did Leo’s goal sentence the match but it was also a milestone for the 5’7” man, who now has 100 European goals in the bag.

Despite the great result, there was only one negative outcome of the game: the injury of Sergio Busquets. The Spaniard was replaced by Andre Gomes in the latter part of the second half and tests in the upcoming days will reveal the severity of his injury.

Next: Messi's latest milestone

Nonetheless, a strong 4-1 aggregate victory gives Barcelona the pass to the quarterfinals of the Champions League and their next opponent will be revealed this Friday. In addition to the Blaugrana, Roma, Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Sevilla advanced to the last 8. Overall, each potential opponent possesses a lot of quality and we will see who Barca faces next in the Champions League.

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