This is a bit of alright, isn't it? Tottenham Hotspur v FC Barcelona ... at the start of October. Sometimes in life - not often, but sometimes - you know you're in for a treat, and this is one such occasion. It's true that neither side is "in a good moment". Spurs aren't convincing much and have injury issues, while Barca are struggling domestically; it looks to me like both teams are on the way down. But, on the other hand, there are plenty of good players, high ceilings and bad intentions on show, so we've got plenty to go on and nothing to complain about; as they say in Tottenham, "Well then".
Champions League / Group Stage
Wembley / 03.10.2018
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- P. Coutinho(2')
- I. Rakitic(28')
- L. Messi(56', 90')
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Updated 03/10/2018 at 21:57 GMT+1
- All
- Highlights
21:56
So there we are. Messi is a genius. Thank you and goodnight.
21:55
That was close for about five minutes, but really it was a lesson for Spurs who stay on 0 points but above PSG on goal difference; Barcelona lead Inter by the same metric.
21:55
Messi is a genius, what more do you want to know?
21:54
Full-time: Spurs 2-4
90+3'
Dier fouls Suarez and is booked. It's not especially bad, more a matter of principle thing, but a fair enough call.
90+2'
Napoli have taken the lead against Liverpool.
90+2'
Vermaelen replaces Suarez.
90'
There;s be four added minutes.
90'
GOAL! Spurs 2-4 Barcelona (Messi) Lloris is quite something. He plays Trippier into trouble, Sissoko is barged off it by Alba - ! - and then a low cross is again stepped over by Suarez, allowing Messi to tiptoe through the middle of the box and send the keeper the wrong way. he made that looks fairly easy.
89'
Spurs are pushing, but are struggling to find the space to create much ... but then Trippier megs Alba by mistake and crosses ... but pique is there to head clear.
87'
Change for Barca: Vidal replaces Arthur, who looks a player.
85'
the corner is good for Kane, who makes Lenglet work very hard to block his header, but he manages it. Two huge interventions there.
84'
What a block Lenglet! Moura gets the ball and isolates Alba, dipping inside him and past Pique to open the angle for a pass into the far corner! But Lenglet gets in the road and concedes the corner!
83'
Rafinha replaces Coutinho.
83'
Rakitic has done almost nothing tonight apart from score a wondrous goal.
81'
For the first time tonight, Spurs look likelier scorers - Winks is coming into things, previously charging back to rob Messi with a slide tackle, and then finding Moura who shoots straight at Ter Stegen.
79'
Lamela is down, and is replaced by Llorente.
77'
Kane to Trippier, who drills in a low cross, and Semedo takes a touch when Moura - who should've been in front of him - is behind him. He gets away with it, but really it's just a shame that Kane can't pass to himself.
76'
Dier catches Suarez with an arm, which is understandable but not what Spurs need.
74'
Pique takes his time clearing so Kane runs through his swing and catches him. That's a booking, and of course Pique grabs a quick nap while time elpases around him.