28 September 2006, by Sean Gillen

Late Messi strike saves Barcelona

Werder Bremen 1-1 Barcelona

A late equaliser from Lionel Messi earned current holders Barcelona a crucial point in their Champions League Group A clash at the Weser Stadion. Portuguese midfielder Deco set up the Argentinean to draw the Catalans level with two minutes remaining after Barca captain Carles Puyol had put through his own net to give the Germans the lead.

Both sides had good chances in the first half, with Frings’ shot whistling past Victor Valdes’ post for the home side, while Ronaldinho put through Samuel Eto’o, but the Cameroonian was closed down by Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

The Germans took a surprise lead ten minutes into the second half, through Barca captain Carles Puyol. Aaron Hunt broke down the left flank and delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and the onrushing Puyol made a mess of his interception and stabbed into his own net.

Tim Borowski may have made it two for Bremen when he was put through on the left of the penalty area, but his shot across the face of goal narrowly missed the far post.

Barca striker Samuel Eto’o was substituted with a knee injury, which will rule him out for 2-3 months, but his replacement Messi made the difference for the European champions. The 19-year-old gave Bremen an early warning when a run at the heart of the German defence resulted in him forcing a save from Wiese.

Sublime Deco

Bremen held out until the 88th minute, when Messi and Deco combined to sublime effect. Messi again took the initiative, passing to Deco before continuing his run into the box and the former Porto man returned an exquisite ball to the Argentine sensation, who clinically buried the ball in the bottom corner with his left foot.

Barca manager Frank Rijkaard admitted to be being relieved at Messi’s late strike: “Bremen started very strongly and put us under pressure. We had some problems with them in the early stages,” said the Dutchman.

“After Puyol’s own goal we never gave up and dominated the last 20 minutes of the match and were rewarded with the equaliser. Lionel Messi’s goal was great. I am pleased with the 1-1 draw. It’s a result we can live with.”

All eyes will be on Group A in three weeks as Barca and old rivals Chelsea square off for the third season running in the competition, with their meeting at Stamford Bridge the first of an intriguing double-header between the two group favourites.

Werder Bremen:
Wiese, Fritz, Schulz, Naldo, Mertesacker, Baumann, Borowski, Frings, Diego, Hunt (Owomoyela, 91), Klose (Klasnic, 90)
Yellow Cards: Frings (27), Naldo (73), Baumann (86)

Barcelona:
Valdes, Oleguer, Silvinho (Zambrotta, 83), Puyol, Thuram, Motta, Iniesta, Deco, Giuly (Messi, 66), Ronaldinho, Eto’o (Gudjohnsen, 66)
Yellow Cards: None

Goals:
[1-0] Puyol, 56 (o.g)
[1-1] Messi, 89