THE HAGUE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona booked a 2-1 victory at PSV in Champions League Group B on Wednesday in Eindhoven.
PSV was already out of contention for the last 16, while FC Barcelona had already qualified for the next round. Barcelona were without injured Luis Suarez, Rafinha, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti, but head coach Ernesto Valverde did line up his star player Lionel Messi. PSV coach Mark van Bommel started with his usual eleven.
The home-team had most opportunities in the first half, with Gaston Pereiro hitting the post, Luuk de Jong hitting the cross-bar and Denzel Dumfries hitting the post. Also in the second half PSV created some chances, but on the other side a touch of magic from Lionel Messi gave the visitors the lead. The Argentine played himself free and scored with his left foot in the 61st minute.
After a free-kick by Messi Gerard Pique tipped in the second Barcelona goal in the 70th minute. PSV continued to miss chances through Steven Bergwijn and Hirving Lozano and only in the 83rd minute the home-team managed to find the net. Captain Luuk de Jong headed in a cross by Angelino from the left.
The 1-2 final result and the 1-0 win of Tottenham Hotspur against Internazionale meant PSV are not only out of contention in the Champions League, but will also not continue in the Europa League. FC Barcelona are certain of the first place in Group B with 13 points from 5 matches, while Tottenham and Inter are second and third with 7 points and PSV are fourth with 1 point.
The final group matches on December 11 will decide if the Spurs or Inter will qualify for the last 16 after FC Barcelona. The third ranked team continues in the Europa League.
