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Barca cruise into Champions League semis with 2-0 win over PSG

Xinhua, April 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the seventh time in eight years as they defeated Paris Saint Germain 2-0 on the night to secure a 5-1 win on aggregate.

Neymar was the hero of the night with two first half goals as Barca enjoyed a relatively tranquil night in the Camp Nou Stadium.

Despite the 3-1 win from the first leg and a difficult game next weekend, Barca coach Luis Enrique made no concessions to try and conserve tired legs and played what is probably his strongest side with Leo Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic in his side.

Meanwhile Zlatan Ibrahimovoch was back for PSG to face his former club, while Marco Verratti was also able to provide more control to the French side's midfield.

One player who didn't show control was PSG central defender David Luiz, who was booked for challenging with his foot up in the first foul of the game.

Barca opened the scoring with in the 14th minute virtually their first attack. Andres Iniesta collected the ball in his own half, ghosted past two players in midfield and threaded the ball for Neymar to round the keeper and slide the ball into the net.

The goal clearly hurt the French side and it was also soon clear that it was going to be a good night for Barca. The passes found their target, the pressing was aggressive and movements were fluid as their rivals suffered on the pitch.

It was no surprise when Neymar doubled Barca's lead with a header five minutes from the break after good work from Dani Alves down the right wing.

With his side up 5-1 on aggregate at the break Luis Enrique decided to rest Andres Iniesta for Xavi Hernandez and with the PSG needing to score four goals to qualify, 10 minutes later Sergi Roberto replaced Busquets. The game opened up, although there were few clear chances as Barca remained in control, although he forced a good save from Ter Stegen with 18 minutes left. That was virtually all that Barca suffered and Messi almost made it 3-0 with the last kick of the game, but his shot slipped wide of the post. Endite