Tuesday's Champions League Group F clash at the Camp Nou pitted Barcelona against Ajax.
The home side led 2-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from in-form pair Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Ajax improved in the second half and had a goal back late on through Anwar El Ghazi, but Sandro Ramirez scored a third for Barca in stoppage time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Hello all! Sports Mole Champions League coverage returns this evening as Barcelona welcome Ajax in Group F. The hosts currently sit second in the group with three points, while Ajax are third with two points. Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news, which has just filtered through from Catalonia.
TEAMS
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Bartra, Pique, Alba; Iniesta, Rakitic, Mascherano; Pedro, Messi, Neymar
AJAX: Cillessen; Van Rhijn, Veltman, Moisander, Viergever; Klaassen, Zimling, Andersen; Schone, Sigthorsson, Kishna
So there we have it. Marc-Andre ter Stegen gets the nod in goal for the home side, while Marc Bartra also starts at centre-back, with Javier Mascherano moving to midfield in place of Sergio Busquets, who is still injured. Ivan Rakitic also comes back into the XI, while Pedro joins Neymar and Lionel Messi in attack.
Ajax, meanwhile, also go with a three-pronged attack at the Camp Nou, with Lasse Schone, Kolbeinn Sighorsson and Ricardo Kishna all in the XI. Niklas Moisander will skipper the side from defence, but Lerin Duarte and Stefano Denswil are both on the bench. No real surprises for the visitors.
Repasa las alineaciones de @FCBarcelona y @AFCAjax para el partido de esta noche. #ChampionsLeague #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/zbTmkTazau
— Diario SPORT (@sport) October 21, 2014
These two sides met in the group stages of last season's competition and it was indeed the first time that the pair had clashed in a competitive environment. Barcelona were 4-0 winners at the Camp Nou, with Lionel Messi hitting a hat-trick, but Ajax responded with a 2-1 victory in Amsterdam.
As mentioned, Barcelona currently sit second in Group F after two matches. They opened this season's campaign with a 1-0 win over APOEL, but lost 3-2 to Paris Saint-Germain last time out. That match brought their only defeat of the season to date, but they will be keen to return to winning ways.
Barcelona's recent home record in the Champions League is strong, meanwhile, having lost just one of their last 28 European games in this stadium. That solitary defeat occurred to Bayern Munich in that famous thumping in the semi-finals of the competition. Ajax have a serious task on their hands here.
Barcelona will also enter the match top of their domestic table. They have won seven of their eight La Liga games this season, with a total of 22 points leaving them top of the division. They have scored 22 times and incredibly still not conceded. At the weekend, they were 3-0 winners over Eibar in Barcelona.
Ajax, however, enter the match having not lost in any competition since the end of August, when they were beaten at Groningen in the Dutch league. They opened their group campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Paris Saint-Germain, before recording the same scoreline away to APOEL last time out.
A total of two points has left the Dutch side in third spot in the Group F table and a result this evening would certainly give them confidence as they attempt to finish in the top two. In truth, Barca and PSG are the big favourites to advance from this section, but Ajax, at worst, will want third in the section.
Domestically, Ajax have also had a decent start to the season, with 17 points from nine matches leaving them in second spot in the table, four points behind the leaders PSV Eindhoven. Ajax have won the European Cup on four occasions, however, and will want to make their mark in Europe this season.
Ajax, however, have not made it out of the group stages of the Champions League since the 2002-03 season, when they reached the quarter-finals. They have also struggled in the Europa League, falling at the last-32 stage in four of the last five seasons. A club of their ilk should be performing better.
Ajax's recent away record in Europe is also fairly disappointing having not won in their last eight on the road, a run that stretches back to a 2-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in October 2011. That is coupled with the fact that Barcelona have never before lost at home to Dutch opponents.
Ajax have also lost six of their last seven matches in Spain. Their home win over Barcelona last season was their first victory against any Spanish side since the 2003-04 season, while overall, they have on lost nine of their 16 visits to La Liga opposition. The signs are not looking too strong!
It would not be right to discuss this particular match without mentioning the two managers, who are old Nou Camp teammates. Barca boss Luis Enrique and Ajax coach Frank de Boer were Barcelona teammates from 1999 to 2003, winning the Spanish title together in 1999.
© Getty Images
DID YOU KNOW? Frank de Boer was playing the last time that Ajax won in Spain. That occurred in the quarter-finals of the 1996-97 Champions League, when the Dutch side were 3-2 winners over Atletico Madrid. Right, just about time for my prediction with little over 10 minutes until kickoff.
PREDICTION: In truth, I am finding it very difficult to make a case for Ajax this evening. They have a lot of talented players in their XI, but the home side have far too much in attack. My score prediction is 3-0 Barcelona, with Messi grabbing a couple for the Catalan outfit.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. That famous Champions League tune will soon erupt around this famous stadium. It is Barcelona against Ajax...
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Can Ajax cause a shock this evening? It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway in Catalonia.
It will not come as much of a surprise that Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with their midfield three enjoying plenty of the ball. You just get the feeling that the home side will need to be patient against an Ajax side that is set up to contain and counter.
It is the Ajax fans making most of the noise in the early exchanges, but the play on the field is yet to take off, with a couple of free kicks quelling the early tempo. Barcelona continue to enjoy the ball...
Both managers are standing on the touchline, but neither has had much to shout about thus far. Alba attempts to collect a long pass from Rakitic, but the left-back cannot move his legs fast enough. Not too much to report in terms of pressure from the visitors in the opening six minutes of football.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Ajax (Neymar)
Super, super goal from the home side. Neymar scores his 10th goal of the season as he curls a wonderful effort into the bottom corner following brilliant work from Messi. Barca have lift-off here.
Ajax would have wanted to get through the opening 15 minutes here, but they have been unable to contain Messi and Neymar, who have both been in such fine form this season. Pedro is involved down the left moments later before finding Alba, but Van Rhijn just does enough to clear the danger.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alves breaks down the right before delivering towards Messi, but Moisander is on hand to make the clearance. Messi is presented with the ball inside the box moments later, but he curls his effort over the crossbar. It is all one-way traffic at the moment.
Not too much from Ajax in the opening 15 minutes, with the home side dominating possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that another Barca goal would end this match as a contest, even at this early stage. It has been a really confident and fast start from the Spanish league leaders.
Decent little spell for Ajax in the last couple of moments, with Kishna having the chance to worry Alves down the left. The number 11 attempts to deliver into the box, but Bartra is across to challenge.
Messi and Neymar once again attempt to combine inside the Ajax box, but Veltman just steps out at the vital moment to clear. The away side are down the other end with Kishna moments later, but the youngster cannot move past the challenge of Alves, who immediately releases Pedro down the line.
Possession football from the home side in the last couple of minutes, but the away side have managed to regroup. Alves delivers into the near post, but Ajax stopper Cillessen is out to collect ahead of Messi.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. However, there have been no bookings thus far. Messi has possession on the edge of the box moments later, he finds Pedro, but the Spaniard cannot return the favour.
Just a reminder that APOEL and PSG are also currently playing in Group F and the score is still goalless in Cyprus. Not too much to report at the Camp Nou, meanwhile, as Barca continue to pass and probe.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Ajax (Messi)
Barcelona have their second of the match as Messi collects a pass from Iniesta before finishing into the bottom corner. Cillessen got a hand on it, but the ball trickled over the goal-line.
That is 69 Champions League goals for Messi, who is now level with Cristiano Ronaldo and just two behind former Los Blancos forward Raul. Could the Argentine reach that tally this evening?
You have to fear for Ajax, who cannot keep the ball at the moment. There are a million miles between these two teams this evening. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining here.
POST! Barcelona come close to scoring their third as Messi drives into the Ajax box before feeding Pedro, but the Spaniard curls his effort against the post. So close to number three!
Another half-chance for the home side as Messi combines with Alves before driving a low cross into the box, but Veltman is on hand to make the clearance. Ajax just cannot keep the ball as they attempt to break, with Bartra coming across to challenge Zimling. Still 2-0 Barca with 32 minutes played.
BOOKING! Ajax defender Veltman is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Ajax have started to see more of the ball in the final third. One goal for the visitors would give them some hope, but it is difficult to imagine Barcelona not scoring at least a couple more. They have been just so dominant.
CHANCE! A mistake from Pique presents a chance to Ajax as Kishna takes possession away from the defender inside the Barcelona box, but the attacker's touch is just too heavy and Ter Stegen is out to claim. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining here.
CHANCE! Iniesta comes close to making it three for Barcelona after dancing through the Ajax defence before attempting to chip Cillessen, but the goalkeeper just does enough.
This could be four or five already, with Pedro hitting the post and Iniesta just denied by a brilliant save. What can Ajax do to change this match around? It is going to be a very long night.
Ajax manage to ease some of the pressure with a period of possession in the Barcelona half. The visitors also force a corner, but Pique rises at the near post to clear the danger.
CLOSE! Ajax come close to their first of the match as a strike from Sigthorsson takes a big deflection off Bartra, but it just drops wide of the post. Very close for the visitors.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 2-0 Ajax
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 2-0. In truth, it has been very easy for the home side, with Ajax struggling to cause any problems in the final third. It is difficult to see anything other than a couple more Barcelona goals in the second period here.
STATS! The home side have dominated possession with 67%, while they have had five attempts, three of which have been on target. Ajax, meanwhile, have had three attempts, but thus far failed to find the target. There has also been just one booking, with Veltman carded for Ajax.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have a host of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Munir, Sandro and Rafinha. Meanwhile, Ajax have the likes of Denswil, Duarte and Poland's in-form striker Milik in reserve. Will there be any changes at the interval?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Ajax find a way to turn this one around? It is the Dutch outfit that get the second period underway in Barcelona.
SUB! There has been one change at the break with Milik replacing Kishna.
Half-chance for the home side as Messi dances past two defenders before curling one towards the top corner, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. You just get the feeling that this could be a long second half for Ajax, who are still unbeaten in this season's group stage.
Milik finds some space in a wide area for the visitors before delivering towards the near post, but Ter Stegen is out to claim at the vital moment. Ajax launch another attack moments later, but it comes to an end when Schone's cross is cleared by Pique. End-to-end start to the second period here.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Messi has the ball in the back of the net once again, but the Argentine was in an offside position when he converted after Cillessen had denied Pedro.
CHANCE! It is magic feet from Messi as the Argentine dances into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but he smashes the side netting. Just sensational work.
Possession football from the home side as they continue to pin Ajax to the edge of their own box. The only surprise is that Barcelona haven't scored a third yet. If that was to occur, you would imagine that Luis Enrique would look to give some players a rest ahead of the Clasico this weekend.
CHANCE! Van Rhijn has the chance to get Ajax back in the match after finding some space at the far post, but his effort is wide of the post.
SUB! Ajax make their second change as Riedewald replaces Zimling.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and still no sign of any movement on the Barcelona bench. The likes of Munir and Sandro would be the obvious replacements for Neymar and Pedro. However, it appears that Enrique wants a third before making any changes to his XI.
Barcelona have a set piece just outside the box as Viergever brings Alves to the ground, but the resulting free kick from Messi is curled high and wide of the crossbar. Still 2-0 to the home side.
Another half-chance for the home side as Iniesta breaks down the left before feeding Alba, who drives a low cross into the box, but Moisander is on hand to make a vital challenge ahead of Messi.
SUB! Barca make their first change of the match as Sandro replaces Neymar.
CLOSE! Ajax come close to opening their tally as Pique sticks a leg out to clear a cross from Schone, but it drops just over his own crossbar. Poor from the centre-back!
Munir is preparing to enter for Barcelona. Not for Messi surely?! My money is on Pedro!
SUB! Barca make their second change as Munir replaces Messi. Yes, Messi!
Messi will be disappointed to leave the field, but the club have the small matter of Real Madrid at the weekend. The Argentine and Neymar will be well-rested that is for certain.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with the home side taking their foot off the gas. Ajax have a free kick some 40 yards from goal when Pique brings Milik to the ground, but the set piece from Schone is straight into the wall. Poor from the midfielder.
BOOKING! Van Rhijn is booked for a late challenge on Munir.
Half-chance for Rakitic as Iniesta sets up the Croatian outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Ajax goalkeeper, who immediately releases a kick towards Milik.
Pique has a problem here as the centre-back clashes with Milik, but it appears that the Spaniard will be fit to continue. Just a reminder that both managers still have one change remaining.
SUB! Ajax make their third change as El Ghazi replaces Sigthorsson.
Half-chance for the visitors this time as Andersen meets a cross from the left, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Meanwhile, Rafinha is preparing to enter for the home side.
SUB! The change is indeed made as Rafinha replaces Iniesta.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Little over 10 minutes remaining and the score remains 2-0.
Half-chance for the home side as Rafinha finds some space in a wide area before delivering towards the far post, but there are no takers. In fairness to Ajax, they have managed to gain more possession in the second period, but they have still not registered a single attempt on target.
BOOKING! Pedro goes into the book for a late challenge on Andersen.
CLOSE! Munir comes close to scoring Barcelona's third after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is just deflected high of the crossbar by Moisander.
Another half-chance for the home side as Sandro delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but Moisander just beats Munir to the ball. Those two have been impressive since entering the field.
Barcelona have a free kick outside the box as Munir is brought to the ground by Veltman. The resulting set piece is taken by Alves, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar.
Ajax have a free kick just outside the box as Schone is brought to the ground by Mascherano. The resulting set piece is delivered by Riedewald, but Pique is on hand to clear with a towering header.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Ajax (El Ghazi)
Lifeline Ajax! The visitors finally get their goal as El Ghazi turns in from close range following a mix-up inside the Barcelona box. Surely they cannot find another? Surely...
El Ghazi causes more problems to the Barcelona defence after dancing into the box, but Alba makes a brilliant challenge at the vital moment. Oh how this match has changed!
BOOKING! Riedewald goes into the book for a late challenge on Munir.
We are into the second of four additional minutes here.
Ajax just cannot get the ball at the moment as Rakitic picks up another free kick for the hosts.
Alves strikes the resulting free kick, but his effort just moves high of the crossbar. Good strike from the defender, but it was always rising over the crossbar.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Ajax (Sandro)
Game, set and match! Barcelona have their third as Sandro finds some space inside the box before drilling one into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the youngster!
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-1 Ajax
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close, with Barcelona running out 3-1 winners. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
