Inter Milan dealt a huge blow to Barcelona's Champions League ambitions as they were victorious in the first leg of the semi-final by three goals to one.

Barcelona looked to be in control from the early stages as they dictated the tempo in midfield. However, it was clear from the very start of the game that Inter were picking holes in the Barcelona defense leaving them badly exposed.

Barcelona's early endeavour was rewarded by a goal from this year's star youngster, Pedro. Maxwell made a superb run down the flank and cut the ball across goal to Pedro who finished first time in style.

Inter were quick to respond. Some terrific play from man-of-the-match Diego Milito set up Wesley Sneijder, who stroked the ball into Valdes' near post on the half an hour mark.

Barcelona would be undone twice more after the break. Maicon scored the first after a strong run and tap in, while Diego Milito headed in the 3rd after it looked like he was in an offside position.

Lionel Messi was neat in possession, but again, had little opportunity to shine. He could not find a way through a tough Inter defense.

The next leg will be played at the Camp Nou next Wednesday where Barcelona will need a huge performance. They will be without defender Carles Puyol who picked up a yellow card today.

Espanyol held Barcelona to a goalless draw today in La Liga which will give Real Madrid renewed hope of winning the title.

Barcelona started with a strong side including Lionel Messi and Pedro. Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both started from the substitute's bench. They were well shackled by a strong and resolute Espanyol defense from the first whistle, and for all their endeavour, Barcelona failed to snatch a goal.

Lionel Messi was at the forefront of the match as always, drifting around the pitch in search of space which he was rarely gifted. Every time Messi got the ball, several players surrounded him, leaving little room to maneuver for the young Argentine.

Espanyol had their fair share of chances, as did the visitors, but in the end neither side could capitalise on their opportunities. It was a deserved draw and a point which still keeps Barcelona in front at the summit of La Liga.

Barcelona and Messi's next match will be the crucial Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday night away to Inter Milan.

Barcelona once again claimed three points in their pursuit to become La Liga champions, comfortably brushing aside Deportivo La Coruna by three goals to nil at the Nou Camp.

Surprisingly, today was a quiet day for man of the moment Lionel Messi. Although neat in possession and close to scoring on several occasions, Messi was not to get his name on the scoresheet today. Instead, it was youngsters who carved out the win for Barcelona, proving that they are far from reliant upon Lionel Messi to win football matches.

Bojan Krkic opened the scoring for Barcelona on the 16th minute mark. It looked like the floodgates would open after Xavi threaded through Bojan, who made no mistake one-on-one against the goalkeeper.

However, Deportivo remained resolute. Lionel Messi almost scored a sublime chip, but was thwarted by the back-tracking Deportivo goalkeeper.

Pedro scored another for Barcelona the 69th minute after a terrible mistake from the Deportivo goalkeeper. He received the ball 45 yards from goal and first time lofted the ball into an open goal. It was a fantastically executed goal.

Yaya Toure scored the third 3 minutes later. He controlled the ball on his chest and unleashed a powerful strike which couldn't be kept out.

It was not a vintage Barcelona performance, but the most important thing will be the result for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

Lionel Messi had the opportunity to speak to the press after yesterday's 2-0 victory over Real Madrid and declared that he would like to return to the Bernabeu this season for the Champions League final.

After scoring another vital goal against title-contenders Real Madrid, Messi was in great spirits and the measure of his ambition was made clear.

Messi stated, "We must go slowly, step by step, because there are still seven league matches remaining. In the Champions League we have the possibility of returning here, which would be very nice."

Speaking about the game in particular, Messi said, "It is the second consecutive game we have won here, and we won again by producing a great performance. Playing with Xavi, Andres [Iniesta], Busi [Sergio Busquets] and Yaya [Toure], with these players football becomes more simple."