Magic man Messi ends Shakhtar’s faint hopes

BARCELONA secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League and a probable showdown with arch rivals Real Madrid after completing home and away victories over Shakhtar Donetsk last night.

Leading 5-1 from last week’s quarter-final first leg at the Nou Camp, Barca weathered an early storm at the Donbass Arena before netting what would prove to be the only goal of the night through Lionel Messi just before half time.

That was Messi’s 48th competitive goal of what has been an incredible season and ensured there would be no slip-up by Pep Guardiola’s side, who will meet Madrid in the last four unless Tottenham can overhaul a 4-0 deficit in north London tonight.