Late drama as PSG scramble draw with Barca

Paris St Germain's David Beckham (L) recieves a yellow card from Referee Wolfgang Stark during their Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, April 2, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Happy Beckham

"I think we deserved a draw tonight," said Beckham. "There's no reason why we can't go there and get a result.

"I was very happy, the manager (Carlo Ancelotti) has always shown confidence in me. Tonight was a big moment for the club - it doesn't get much better than these nights."

PSG, unbeaten at home in all competitions since Nov 17, went for Barca's throat in the opening stages but were not rewarded for their efforts.

Paris St Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti directs his players during their Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, April 2, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

They went close in the fifth minute when Javier Pastore chested an Ibrahimovic pass into the path of Ezequiel Lavezzi who struck Valdes's right post.

Lavezzi wasted another good opportunity five minutes later, shooting straight at Valdes after collecting a brilliant through ball from Lucas.

Pastore then fired a powerful low shot that forced Valdes to dive to his right and the Spain keeper was at full stretch again when he stopped Ibrahimovic's 20-meter free kick.

Barca only had Andres Iniesta's curling shot - which went wide - to show for their silky passing as PSG stamped their authority on the game.

Thiago Silva thwarted the dangerous Messi as the Argentine dribbled his way towards goal before Lucas released Ibrahimovic and the Swede's low shot went wide.

Lucas's dazzling runs were a nightmare to handle for Barca but it was the visitors who took the lead.

Messi was in acres of space 12 meters out and he beat Sirigu to notch his eighth goal in this season's competition.

PSG seemed to be running out of steam when Ibrahimovic levelled from close range.

Xavi was coolness personified as he wrong-footed Sirigu from the penalty spot to put Barca 2-1 up but Matuidi sent the crowd wild with delight with his late goal.

"I'm proud of the players. The referee gifted them the second goal because Alexis Sanchez went for Sirigu and dived," said Ancelotti.

The Italian also heaped praise on Brazil center half Thiago Silva. "He showed tonight he is the greatest defender in the world," said Ancelotti.