Lionel Messi's Barcelona left the Emirates Stadium level after the first leg of the Champions League, after Arsenal made a dramatic comeback.

The game finished 2-2 and lived up to its billing as the tie of the round in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final. Barcelona imposed themselves on the game from the very start and even though there were no goals in the first half, Barcelona dominated proceedings, creating many opportunities and having the majority of the possession.

Barcelona's dominance was rewarded in the first minute of the second half. A terrific pass put Ibrahimovic, who had squandered several first half chances, through. Arsenal goalkeeper Almunia tried to meet the ball, but instead Ibrahimovic lobbed the ball over him to put the Blaugrana a goal to the good.

Just before the hour mark, Ibrahimovic made it two. Another glorious through ball led to Zlatan facing Almunia in another one-on-one. Ibrahimovic fired the ball emphatically into the roof of the goal, giving Barcelona a fantastic two goal lead.

Arsenal hit back quickly, after the introduction of Theo Walcott. On the 69th minute, Walcott raced through on goal and struck the ball through the hands of Victor Valdes. The comeback was complete on the 85th minute. Carles Puyol was sent off for blocking a clear shot on goal and Fabregas scored the penalty.

Lionel Messi had some good touches throughout and lost possession infrequently, but he was unable to make a mark on the game. It remains a good result for Barcelona who now have two away goals to take back to the Camp Nou next week.