Quick Report: Stuttgart 0-1 Barcelona

Barcelona needed a second-half equaliser from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to draw 1-1 with Stuttgart in the Champions League Round of Sixteen.

Defending European champions Barcelona struggled from the start at the VfB Arena, where the hosts created a number of chances in the first half and got their reward in the 25th minute.

In-form striker Cacau, who also scored four goals in the Bundesliga last weekend, beat Carles Puyol in the air after a Timo Gebhart cross from the right, 1-0.

Lionel Messi almost levelled for Barcelona shortly before the break, but the Argentinian’s effort ended up on the post.

The Catalans improved their performance in the second half and got the equaliser seven minutes after the break as Sergio Busquets headed into Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ path and although the Swede had his first shot blocked by keeper Lehmann, his second attempt did find the target.

No more goals were scored in the second half, as Barcelona leave the pressure on Stuttgart to score at least once in the second leg on March 17.