The European champions resumed their title defence in style. For the
first time under Guardiola, they won the away leg of a second round tie,
3-1 at German side Bayer Leverkusen. And it was thoroughly deserved win
too, with the Catalans dominating from start to finish, and Alexis
Sánchez playing the decisive role. The Chilean was on target twice,
while Messi finished things off with Barça's third. Kadlec had managed
to pull the Bundesliga side back level early in the second half, but an
outstanding Valdés managed to prevent Beyer from adding to their tally.
The result puts FC Barcelona in a wonderful position and they can rightly feel optimistic about their chances of ensuring a place in the last eight on March 7 at the Camp Nou.
The result puts FC Barcelona in a wonderful position and they can rightly feel optimistic about their chances of ensuring a place in the last eight on March 7 at the Camp Nou.