Champions League, Manchester United 0-1 Barcelona: 5 Men who won the game for Barcelona

#2 Lionel Messi

Manchester United v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: First Leg

When the greatest player in the world comes to town, it is only fair that the home team opts for all the safety measure known to man. Solskjaer went for a back 5, with Shaw as a third centerback, so that the English youngster could use his speed to keep track of Messi. Shaw got a card for his troubles and is out of the second leg. Messi, on the other hand, forced the most influential moment of the game.

Marked and constantly denied any room near the opposition box, Messi drifted deeper and sent in beautiful balls to his front men. However, in the 12th minute, the Argentinean fooled everyone in the United defense with a clever run that sent him free in the box. Busquets found his captain with a lofted ball and Messi had the presence of mind to find Suarez with acres of space in the far post. The Uruguayan’s header was deflected in by Shaw.

The Argentinean was not allowed to do too much after that, however, whenever he had the ball, he terrified the United back four. Messi even got a whack to his nose from Smalling for his troubles and was the quiet architect who won Barcelona the game. Not anywhere close to his best performance this season.