Champions League: Arsenal 2 Barcelona 1

Andrei Arshavin scored the winner as Arsenal took the advantage in their round of 16 Champions League tie with Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Russian struck a right-footed shot past defender Eric Abidal and Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes to earn the Gunners a come-from-behind win at the Emirates Stadium, with the return leg to be played at Camp Nou on March 8.

Spain striker David Villa had handed Barcelona a 26th-minute lead when he finished Lionel Messi’s precise through ball with aplomb.

Arsenal had to wait until the 78th minute for an equaliser, with Robin van Persie finishing from a tight angle after being afforded far too much space to aim at inside Valdes’ right-hand post.

Five minutes later, Arsenal scored their match-winning goal, with Arshavin finishing from Sami Nasri’s pass to delight a fervent home crowd.

More to follow…