And I was there. Which was nice.

Season ticket well worth it for that one game.

Barcelona were fantastic, truely awesome. It was, as last year, a priveledge to watch them play. Football as it really should be played. In every area of the pitch they had awesome class, composure, pace, creativity and grit.

But Arsenal lived with them for long periods. We soaked up the pressure, rode our luck at times and took them as they tired. All three goals were good goals. Barcelona dominated possesion for long periods out tippy-tapping the Gooners, but Arsenal stuck to their brand of football too and had a lot of creative play and more chances and shots on goal.

Alves was peerless, and seemingly constantly available with Clichy stretched to cover his marauding and superb Villa. Messi was a little subdued but still a delight to watch play. Iniesta was awesome, Pique rock solid and Xavi as dependable as always.

So many Gunners performed. Cesc was fine, Clichy did the job, Koscielny had a great game. Szczesny made some good saves and Walcott looked dangerous. Song had to come off before he got sent off, but you can't deny his commitment.

The star however was young Jack Wilshere. My God he's good. He looked the equal of Iniesta, and was possibly man of the match. He's 19.

Bring on the return leg. I accept barcelona are still favorites. And rightly so. But the Arsenal have nothing to fear. Barcelona are the best team on earth right now, but Arsenal 'can' beat them. Know what? That'll do.

and what a game of football.