The streak continues. Courtesy of a 73rd minute tap-in, Lionel Messi was able to score in his nineteenth successive La Liga appearance; a once-in-a-lifetime achievement from a once in a lifetime player. The Argentine forward has scored a staggering 43 goals thus far this (La Liga) season - more than sixteen of the remaining nineteen La Liga teams. His 23 goals away from the Camp Nou equals the season record (set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2011-12); and that's with another four away games left to play. Sure, Barcelona didn't pick up the win and they didn't extend their lead at the top of the table; but they rested key players and as a result, are arguably in a better position to succeed on Tuesday night when they take on Paris Saint-Germain.
Granted, Carlo Ancelotti's side have an extra day to recover - and they have home advantage - but they were forced to field all of their available superstars on Friday in a 1-0 win over Montpellier. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Javier Pastore; all played the full 90 minutes against their combative visitors - hardly ideal preparation for the most important match of the season. Barcelona have a few issues to address before Tuesday night; Gerard Pique was far from his best and devoid of Xavi, the Blaugrana midfield struggled to control the match. Chances were few and far between, and Alexis Sanchez (who is likely to deputise for an injured Pedro at the Parc des Princes) hardly inspired confidence. But with Tito Vilanova set to make his long-awaited return this draw is likely to be just a mere blip on what Barcelona hope is the road to glory.
