BARCELONA needed a late goal from substitute and former Arsenal star Marc Overmars to extend their perfect Champions League record with a 2-1 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen in their first match in the second phase last night.

Arsenal continue to trail 2-1 against Borussia Dortmund while Liverpool are also struggling against Valencia.

EUROPEAN CUP champions Real Madrid began their title defence in stunning fashion by defeating AS Roma 3-0 in their Group C opener.