Barcelona FC

• Founded:1899
• Manager:Josep Guardiola

• Ground:Nou Camp
• Capacity:98600

Last Game: 06-Dec-2011 19:45

Barcelona

VS

BATE Borisov

Full match report

Competing in:

• La Liga
• Champions League

Ibrahimovic strike rescues Barca

23 Feb 2010 - 22:08:14

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Barcelona remain on course to retain the Champions League trophy they won nine months ago when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with last season's Bundesliga champions Stuttgart in their last-16 fist leg clash in Germany.

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored Barca's equaliser at the start of the second half after his first shot had been brilliantly saved by Stuttgart's veteran former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

Stuttgart dominated the first 45 minutes with the Spanish champions fortunate to be only one goal behind at the interval.

Cacau headed Stuttgart ahead while Victor Valdes had to be at his best to keep Barca in the tie.

However, Pep Guardiola's team improved after the break with Lionel Messi hitting the woodwork although they will be pleased to be going into next month's second leg on level terms after being second best for long spells.

Meanwhile, French champions Bordeaux are on course to reach the quarter-finals after winning their first leg at Olympicos 1-0. Central defender Michael Ciani scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time.

In the Europa League, Benfica are the first team through the last 16 after thrashing Hertha Berlin 4-0 at the Stadium of Light to complete a 5-1 aggregate success.

Pablo Aimar opened the scoring in the 25th minute and two second-half efforts by Oscar Cardozo and another goal by Javi Garcia completed the rout.

Benfica will now play either FC Copenhagen or Marseille in the last 16.