Masterpiece in the making

ARSENE WENGER claimed this tie would be more like a work of art than a football match but in the end it was even better than that as Barcelona produced an astonishing demonstration of the beautiful game and Arsenal responded with a thrilling example of never-say-die perseverance.

Wenger’s side were down and out at 2-0 at the Emirates, in fact more than that they had been embarrassed and outclassed by a Barca side that left no-one in any doubt they are the best team in world football.

But somehow, from somewhere, the Gunners found the energy and belief to muster a quite incredible comeback, first through substitute Theo Walcott and then, inevitably perhaps, through a penalty from Barcelona-born Cesc Fabregas five minutes from time.