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Barcelona far from convincing in narrow Dynamo Kiev win

The Spanish giants were made to work extremely hard by the covid-hit Ukrainian side at Camp Nou

Barcelona ran out winners in the end against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League, but their defensive frailties were laid bare at times by the Ukrainian side who were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at Camp Nou.

In the first half Barcelona threatened to run away with things, with Lionel Messi scoring from the penalty spot from a foul on him, lashing home with his left foot.

But Ansu Fati went close, Antoine Griezmann missed a virtual open goal and Pedri smashed a shot against the crossbar all in the opening 15 minutes.

Messi, who is still to score from open play this season, also forced three brilliant saves from the 18-year-old Ruslan Neshcheret, playing in just his second match for Dynamo.

His brilliant one-handed parry from a free-kick from the Argentine was a particular highlight and he produced a performance that he can be proud of.

But twice in the second half Dynamo were able to have one-on-one situations with Marc Andre Ter-Stegen and the German, returning from injury, was forced to make two fantastic saves to keep his side ahead.

And Gerard Pique's header from an Ansu Fati cross looked to have put the game to bed on 65 minutes.

But Kiev continued to press forward and deservedly got a goal back, with Victor Tsyhankov sliding in at the back post to poke home a shot parried by Ter-Stegen.

But Barcelona were able to hold on for the points and make it three wins out of three in the group - but it is not a Barca side that is playing fluently at the moment.