Messi Leads Barca Into Champions League Quarters

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Lionel Messi scored twice and Barcelona took advantage of Robin Van Persie's ejection to beat Arsenal 3-1 Tuesday night and reach the Champions League quarterfinals on 4-3
aggregate.

Messi scored in the third minute of first-half injury time, flicking a pass from Andres Iniesta over onrushing goalkeeper Manuel Almunia before dispatching the ball into the net.

Despite being outshot 19-0 in the game, Arsenal tied the score when Barcelona defender Sergio Busquets headed Samir Nasri's corner kick into his own net in the 53rd.

Van Persie received his second yellow card in the 56th, and Xavi Hernandez tied the score 13 minutes later.

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