Barcelona were held to a goalless draw for their second consecutive Champions League away game by Juventus at the Allianz Stadium.
But that mattered little, as a point was enough for the Blaugrana to secure qualification to the knockout stages. They have also secured the top spot in the Group. Should Juventus win their next match and Barcelona lose, the Catalans will still have top spot as they have better head-to-head record against Juve.
Barcelona had most of the possession as expected, but managed only 1 shot on target the entire game. Both teams nearly had an identical number of attempts at goal, but only Paulo Dybala forced Ter Stegen to make an important save in the dying minutes of the game.
The Fans were left bewildered when the starting XI was released, only to show that Lionel Messi of all people was left on the bench.
It was an unfamiliar situation for Lionel Messi at Juventus. pic.twitter.com/W52Vuffm09
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 22, 2017
Saw people talk about Messi being rested against Juventus. Expecting more and more of it this season. Remember hearing that Messi had a talk with Sampaoli mentioning how he wants to get to the World Cup in top shape and how he has to slow down this season and sit out matches.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 23, 2017
I love when Messi is on the bench for one reason. It suddenly gives a psychological edge. Plus the subsitution vibes are always lit
— Ahmad (@ahmadf_o) November 22, 2017
Me when I saw no messi in the starting 11 pic.twitter.com/ELNJcIoRLz
— ? (@Jaymazing11) November 22, 2017
Right or wrong, it takes a huge character from a coach to put Messi on the bench – in any game.
— FCB News (@FCBNewsRoom) November 22, 2017
Valverde taking “Dybala & Messi can’t play together” too literally.
— Bhoomiraj (@MessiFalse9) November 22, 2017
Andres Iniesta ran the show from midfield, and upon getting subbed off towards the end of the game, the entire Allianz Stadium was on its feet.
Three things are certain in life
Death
Taxes
Iniesta getting standing ovation…— 94:39 (@iME5S) November 22, 2017
Iniesta came off to a standing ovation at Juventus Stadium ?
The man gets an ovation EVERYWHERE he goes. I bet his family applauds him every day when he comes home from work too.— Juan (@socraticjuan) November 22, 2017
It’s AMAZING how Iniesta is able to control ANY horrible pass with just one touch. On a pure technical level, no midfielder in the world is better.
— Juan (@socraticjuan) November 22, 2017
Iniesta receiving standing ovation on every stadium in Europe from all fans whenever he is subbed off. a beautiful sight. And it shows you all you need to know about him. Class. ❤pic.twitter.com/TrkSsJBeCU
— FCB One Touch (@fcb_OneTouch) November 22, 2017
Iniesta pulling the strings for Barça in midfield, playing like he’s in his mid 20’s. The best player on the pitch tonight.
— #14 (@LaCroqueta6) November 22, 2017
No-one can tell me Iniesta’s legs have gone. He doesn’t run, he glides.
— FCB News (@FCBNewsRoom) November 22, 2017
Late in the game, Paulo Dybala nearly scored the winner and was off celebrating, but Ter Stegen made a stunning diving save at the far post to deny the Argentine
Ter Stegen to Dybala: “Never celebrate too early” pic.twitter.com/TnXxX0Gog2
— Rosyid R (@mrrdho) November 22, 2017
Getting Ter Stegen in 2014 was such a stellar piece of business, which Zubi never got enough credit for. Scouted him & got him for a bargain. Thanks to that we have a world class GK for the next 8-10 years.
— Jen Evelyn (@JenFCB) November 22, 2017
If you watch La Liga then you know saves like that have been commonplace for Ter Stegen this season. Comfortably been one of the very best in the world this year.
— EiF (@EiFsoccer) November 22, 2017
Ter Stegen is a monster. Imagine De Gea did this, you’ll see his name trending pic.twitter.com/UNkVeYNjtY
— Ali (@FutbolBallack) November 22, 2017
It’s time that we accept Marc-André ter Stegen has surpassed the great Manuel Neuer. Don’t get me wrong, Neuer is still a great goalkeeper, but Marc is on a totally different level now.
— ᵁᴸᵀᴿᴬ® (@UltraAutistic) November 22, 2017
96% – Marc-Andre ter Stegen has saved 23 of the last 24 shots on target he has faced for Barcelona in all competitions. Show. pic.twitter.com/S7wzudpXrs
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 22, 2017
That Ter Stegen save at the end was incredible. Time to recognize that he’s now a top 3 goalkeeper in the world.
— Arjun Pradeep (@IndianRegista) November 22, 2017
Another Ter Stegen Masterclass. So proud of you, Idolo @mterstegen1 . God bless you pic.twitter.com/Cy5QOUikjZ
— MV (@SweeperStegen) November 23, 2017
Ter Stegen at a spectacular level this season. Hasn’t had a save to make tonight, but pulls out a brilliant stop to deny Dybala in the 91st minute. 5 goals conceded in 17 games since the Supercopa.
— Chris Henson (@FRfutbolChris) November 22, 2017