Alexis Sanchez scores his second goal of the night. Berlin - Arabstoday   Defending champions Barcelona overcame Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 in a slow burning Champions League last 16 first leg at the Bay Arena Tuesday night. Lionel Messi and company were again below their sparkling best, but dealt comfortably with a very cautious Bayer side. An Alexis Sánchez double and late Messi strike make next month’s second leg in Barcelona a formality, although Michal Kadlec’s header again showed some Barca weaknesses at the back.
Catalan coach Josep Guardiola sprung two shocks in his starting line-up, with Xavi Hernández missing through injury and Gerard Piqué left out altogether after some recent unfocused performances.
Bayer boss Robin Dutt also surprised by benching target-man Stefan Kiessling and playing defender Stefan Reinartz in midfield.
Bayer were showing no attacking ambition at all, concentrating on keeping their defensive lines in order and setting Barca the task of passing their way through. Daniel Schwabb was rightly booked for a late tackle on Eric Abidal as the Germans looked to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm.
The defender timed his next intervention better to cut out a dangerous Alexis cross with Messi lurking six yards out.
Midway through the first half Barca’s possession climbed to over 80 per cent, but they had yet to create a clear chance. The returning Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta looked rusty, and Cesc Fábregas was anonymous in midfield.
The Germans had been defending well but four minutes before the break Messi spotted a gap and his precise through ball sent Alexis racing clear. The Chilean shot low past home keeper Bernd Leno to open the scoring.
One-nil down at home, Bayer now had to actually attack, and they also scored from their first clear opportunity. Former Spurs right back Vedran Corluka crossed to the back post and Michal Kadlec out-jumped Alexis to head in.
With the game now opened up, Barca were soon back in front. Fabregas appeared at last and slid an excellent pass through to Alexis who showed pace, strength and composure to round Leno and score.
Gonzalo Castro then found space down Barca’s right and Víctor Valdés fingertipped the German midfielder’s shot onto the post.
When he finally entered the fray  Kiessling had a free header saved by Valdes, hinting he should have started.
Soon afterwards Alves raced clear and unselfishly crossed for Messi to wrap things up.
In the night’s other first leg game, Lyon edged past Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia 1-0 thanks to Alexandre Lacazette’s 58th minute strike.