Sports Thread For #1 For 3/31/10: 2010 UEFA Champions League- WOW

The soldering spirit of Cesc Fabregas was evident for all to see
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Well it had the makings of a classic. And after 90 minutes, it was just that.

Maybe even better news is the fact that another classic could be in store 6 days time.

After seemingly looking out of this comepetition, Arsenal have somehow managed to show adversity once more this year and finish 2-2 with Barcelona at the Emirates. It truly exemplified a contest with major plot twists and ever changing climaxes.

Thanks to the brilliance of Manuel Almunia of all people, the Spanish giants were somehow denied a goal in the first half despite a plethora of clear cut chances. But the much maligned Arsenal goalkeeper couldn't keep his opening 45 minute level up, as he came off his line too far and was caught by a cheeky chip from Zlatan Ibrahomovic to make it 1-0 Barcelona.

And Ibrahamovic wasn't done, as he continued his party of finally scoring against an English team for the first time in 10 matches with his 2nd tally in the 59th minute, sending all of the Emirates in dejection outside of the traveling Barca supporters.

But somehow, with the substitution of Theo Walcott, Arsenal revived their temporary finished selves with a crucial hitback from the erratic English winger in the 69th minute.

The goal from Walcott propelled Arsenal towards an equalizer, and that came in the 85th minute, as a clearly hobbled Cesc Fabregas pushed his penalty kick pass Victor Valdes.

That spot take from the Gunners captain was thanks to Carlos Puyol being sent off for his tackle in the heart of the box on Fabregas. And with him receiving a red card, Barcelona will be without both him and Gerald Pique for the second leg next Tuesday, while Arsenal will be absence Fabregas' services after he was booked for a dubious second yellow card in as many matches.

As if the second leg needed to be more enthralling.

Update: Meanwhile, in Milan, Inter took a one goal advantage into their second leg if their quarterfinal tie with CSKA Moscow thanks to Diego Milito's 65th minute effort. And though it won't get the hype that the night's other match received, it's rematch encounter will be just as captivating.