After an opening ten minutes which saw Arsenal take the game to their Spanish opponents, Wednesday night’s match was one that Barcelona largely controlled, with Messi having several decent chances to score.

However, Barca seemed to take their foot off the gas during the second half and the Gunners deservedly worked their way back into the tie, setting things up nicely for the return leg in March.

Pep Guardiola was reasonably satisfied with his team’s performance and stressed the need for his team to get among the goals at the Nou Camp.

“I think we were okay. We have lost the first leg so we have to win the second leg,” he said.

“We controlled the play for most of the match but we know they can play very well positionally. They are very good and very fast when they counter-attack.

“If we analyse this result it is not too bad. I think in general I am happy with the performance. But we need to score goals in the second leg.

“They will attack and we will attack too.”