Messi came, saw, conquered - and got injured?

In the 62nd minute, Tito Vilanova was left with no other alternative than to bring on Leo Messi. Javier Pastore's goal shortly before forced him to act quickly and the coach decided to risk the Argentine star in the knowledge that he had not totally recovered from the injury sustained at the Parc des Princes.

When Messi entered the playing field, Barça's Champions League status was hanging by a thread. The team had appeared lost as a unit and had not been able to muster a single shot on target.

Messi's introduction turned the game on its head. The home side started to link up well and dominate possession, which led to the equalising goal – with Messi at the heart of the move. The Argentine burst through and passed to David Villa inside the penalty area, Villa found Pedro Rodríguez, who fired into the top corner.

However, it seemed what many had feared had now come true. Messi went on another dazzling run but then pulled up, clutching his not-entirely-recovered leg. There were 15 minutes left on the clock and the Argentine had only just come on, but he became cautious and lost his usual spark.