Messi is involved in an early Barcelona break, helping launch an attack that ends with Ibrahimović’s dangerous cross and Vermaelen’s last-ditch tackle.

Messi slaloms through the Arsenal defense and forces Almunia into a big block, narrowly missing the opening goal.

Ibrahimović races down the right and hits the side netting instead of squaring to a well-positioned Messi, wasting a promising chance.

Messi makes another forward move looking for Ibrahimović’s pass before Song bundles the Swede over and Arsenal escape with a goal kick.

After a slick one-touch move involving Maxwell and Xavi, Messi gets a sight of goal and blasts a shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

During a chaotic sequence, Almunia twice denies Ibrahimović and Xavi before Song clears off the line from Messi’s close-range volley.

Messi drives into the area and is heavily bashed by Clichy; despite no contact on the ball, the referee waves away Barcelona’s penalty appeals.

Pedro feeds Messi on the edge of the box but Eboué’s first contribution is a crucial intervention that prevents Messi from getting his shot away.

Messi produces lovely footwork to open space before Ibrahimović fires wide from the edge of the box.

Messi tries to release Maxwell down the left, but his pass skips out of play and the attack fizzles out.

Messi takes a direct free kick and hits it straight at Almunia, wasting a good shooting opportunity.

Messi stands over a free kick about 25 yards out left of center with Xavi alongside, preparing another set-piece effort.

Messi’s tame free kick strikes the wall and Busquets’ follow-up shot goes straight at Almunia, ending the chance.

After an Arsenal move breaks down, Messi leads a Barcelona break into the area and sees his tight-angle shot blocked by Almunia.

Messi is substituted off for Milito in the closing minutes as Fàbregas hobbles off injured for Arsenal.