Champions League: Barcelona v Celtic

This game has lingered in the back of my mind for the past month, or however long it's been since the bracket was announced. With Celtic my favorite club, and Barca second, obviously I felt torn. So I sit here at the office, wearing my Celtic kit, ready to cheer on my two favorite teams. The game started well, as both teams were determined to get the opener. In the 16th minute, Celtic played the ball down the left flank, and Barca's defense was unable to clear as the ball bobbled around in the box, eventually crossed by a Celtic player into the diving head of Venegoor of Hesselink, who drove the ball past Valdes. Barcelona, always dangerous, stepped their game up while Celtic were patting themselves on the back. Messi and Deco linked up for a one-two to tie the game, as Messi one-timed his shot over the diving Boruc. Nearing the end of the second half, which Barca controlled for the vast majority, another Celtic possession in Barca's half, this time the cross came in behind the attacker, Robson, leaning off balance, he nudged the ball toward goal, a desperate attempt that nonetheless beat Valdes, who paid for his positioning as the perfect lob fell over his outstretched hand. I was ecstatic and had to hold in my joy, as watching soccer is not necessarily the most kosher thing to do in an office. As halftime came, I found myself just hoping for the status quo to hold. Unfortunately, Barcelona had something to say about that.
A few minutes into the second half, Henry curled a beautiful goal from the top-left corner of the box, bending the shot to the left into the side netting. Boruc had no chance and this goal shows Henry back in form, the type of shot that made Henry famous. In the 79th minute, as Celtic's defense continued to tire, Barcelona scored again, with Messi the malicious messenger. A failed Celtic clearance ricocheted off another defender and fell to Messi's feet. He made a quick move and struck, scoring the winner and once again exhibiting his quality. A sad result but a great game, it will be hard for Celtic to not only win at the Camp Nou, but win while scoring at least 3 goals. Quite a challenge.