Arsenal and Barcelona play to 2-2 draw in Champions League quarterfinal

Barcelona came out intent on establishing that they were determined to defend their Champions League title frmo last year as they dominated Arsenal in the opening half of play.  The wonderful possession and movement of Barcelona was evident right from the start and if it weren't for Arsenal keeper Manuel Armunia Barca could have been well ahead at halftime.  Instead it was 0-0 at the break, but oh the fireworks we would see in the second half.

Once again Barcelona started brightly and it took less than a minute of second half play for them to strike.  A long ball from inside the Barcelona half by Gerard Pique split the Arsenal centerbacks, and Ibrahimovic raced clear on goal.  Almunia came out leaving Ibrahimovic an easy chip for the goal. 

Things went from bad to worse when minutes later Ibrahimovic beat the offside trap and latched onto a through ball from Xavi before drilling it home for the 2-0 lead.  It was seemingly lights out for Arsenal.  Or so we thought.  Back came the home side as Arsene Wenger introduced Theo Walcott to the match.  It was Walcott who would grab one back in the 69th minute and suddenly Arsenal had a chance.

With only 6 minutes to play, Barca defender Puyol barged into Cesc Fabregas as he tried to get on the end of a knockdown from Bendtner.  The penalty was awarded and Puyol was sent packing.  Fabregas converted the penalty and Arsenal had their fightback.  The match ended 2-2 and now heads back to Spain for the second leg.  Barcelona is still in the drivers seat with the two away goals, but oh what might have been if they could have just killed the match off leading 2-0.