London, Feb 17: What happens when two heavyweights clash? There's only firework all around and the Champions League last-16 first round match between Arsenal and Barcelona just lived up to the hype.

In the battle of near-equals, English side Arsenal was expected to go down to the more fancied Spanish Club Barcelona, but not without a fight. However they just hung on and hung on to victory.

Barcelona, true to their reputation, attacked relentlessly and were in possession of the ball for a considerably long period of time. David Villa, scored the first goal for the Spanish club in the 26th minute of the match.

After chasing the ball for most part of the first-half Arsenal managed to hold it and and attack Barcelona's goal, but then were given a lesson in the art of defence by the Spanish club.

However, the English club persevered and finally managed to sneak through the impregnable defence of Barcelona and scored their first goal in the 78th minute of the match when Robin van Persie sent the ball past Valdes to the goal post.

Five-minutes later, Arsenal scored the second goal of the match and sealed victory over what their calls "the best team in the world." Ashravin swept a terrific pass from Fabregas to ensure that this time they end on the right side of the results.

In 2010, Arsenal were dismissed 6-3 by Messi-starred Barcelona and this victory though not as emphatic but can still be counted as one of the best.

Arsenal manager Wenger has been quoted by Reuters as saying, "We can be proud of the result but more than pride it can strengthen the belief in our philosophy...It was a special night and absolutely fulfilled the promise of two attacking football teams. We are a young team, we averaged 23 tonight, and this will give them a special lift."

OneIndia News