Monchengladbach (Germany): Barcelona proved they can win away in Europe even without Lionel Messi as they posted a 2-1 comeback victory at Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Champions League here Wednesday.
Thorgan Hazard – the younger brother of Chelsea midfielder Eden – gave Gladbach a shock, yet deserved first half lead. But goals in the final 25 minutes, from Arda Turan and Gerard Pique, sealed Barcelona’s second Group C win after their 7-0 hammering of Celtic at the Camp Nou a fortnight ago.
With Messi out due to a groin injury, Barca coach Luis Enrique opted to start Spain international Paco Alcacer in the superstar’s place alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez.
Gladbach had the better of the opening exchanges at Borussia Park and fully merited their lead. They took the lead with their first dangerous attack as Thorgan picked up a Mahmoud Dahoud pass before slotting it past Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on 34 minutes.
Turan came on for Ivan Rakitic on the hour mark and it proved to be an inspired switch as he scored five minutes later. Neymar finally shook off his marker to float a pass over the top of the Gladbach defence. Turan won the race to the ball and drilled his shot past Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer on 65 minutes
The winning goal came just nine minutes later with Pique pouncing on the rebound after Luis Suarez’s powerful shot had been parried by the goalkeeper.
Reuters
