Twitter Reacts to Messi Masterclass as Barcelona Beat Bayern Munich

Few European games in recent memory have been more hotly anticipated than Barcelona's Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich.

The first leg at the Camp Nou saw Pep Guardiola returning to Catalunya with a world-beating team depleted of some of its biggest stars. The game was rich in narrative, but the pre-match conversation had nothing to do with events on the field and everything to do with Dani Alves' wardrobe...

The sartortially challenged defender decided to celebrate his 32nd birthday by arriving at the stadium in an unusual outfit, earning him trending status on Twitter and some very mixed reviews...

"

Dani Alves. He wears what he wants. pic.twitter.com/X5WSQMOYaL

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 6, 2015"

"

No f***s given by Dani Alves. https://t.co/0Ydfyu2KVf

— Football Tips (@footballtips) May 6, 2015"

Fashion choices aside, the other big news pre-kick-off was Pep's decision to start a mask-wearing Robert Lewandowski, despite the fact that the Polish striker suffered a broken jaw, broken nose and concussion a week ago...

Just before the game started, Guardiola emerged at the stadium where he had enjoyed unbridled managerial success to greet his former Blaugrana team-mate Luis Enrique...

Barcelona were hot favourites with the bookies to win the first leg, but several fans were willing to stake more than just a few quid...

Bayern's odds of winning surely increased when it became clear that Guardiola had decided to play three at the back. These tactics were widely derided...

"

Guardiola's tactics got us like... pic.twitter.com/PUx7LLMnfr

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 6, 2015"

After Barca's front three were given far too many opportunities to roam, Pep apparently had a tactical change of heart after 15 minutes...

Luis Suarez made a nuisance of himself in the opening stages and saw a one-on-one chance stopped by Manuel Neuer. The Uruguayan immediately started trending...

"

Que paradon de Neuer A Luis Suárez #luissuarez #FCBarcelona (Vine by @Crack__26) https://t.co/9XpUHT4mIE

— J C (@P4N4D0L) May 6, 2015"

"

Suarez clearly needs to learn how to shoot from someone like Agbonlahor.

— Tim Sherwood (@DeludedSherwood) May 6, 2015"

"

Suarez Vs Neuer pic.twitter.com/tiwFx8kADO

— Footy Memes (@FootyMemes) May 6, 2015"

As half-time approached in a highly entertaining game, one question echoed through all of social media...

"

Quick question, how is it still 0-0 ?

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@RMadridFever) May 6, 2015"

"

How in the name of Over 2.5 Goals is this still 0-0

— Jamie Heffernan (@JamieHeffo) May 6, 2015"

"

Trying to figure out how #BarcaBayern is still 0-0... pic.twitter.com/Gq0ggCWP8o

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 6, 2015"

A series of fine saves from Manuel Neuer prevented Barca from making the breakthrough, affirming the German's shot stopper's reputation as the best on the planet...

"

Germany should cut Manuel Neuer's right leg off and have it bronzed.

— cathalkelly (@cathalkelly) May 6, 2015"

"

And that is why Manuel Neuer is the best keeper in the world. Not because he runs to the halfway line at times like an idiot

— Vikram (@Football_GIF) May 6, 2015"

"

FACT: Manuel Neuer just doesn't give a f**k. pic.twitter.com/dnazP79Xz6

— Footy News (@MrFootyNewss) May 6, 2015"

Shakira's truth-telling hips were not on display, but her upper body clearly showed she was not impressed...

"

Same Shak pic.twitter.com/1LBl3Y3Y6N

— ... (@fatimayasiin) May 6, 2015"

When half-time came, a goalless scoreline belied a breathless first 45 minutes of quality football and positive tactics...

As the nets remained untouched as the hour mark approached, attentions online turned to Leo Messi's latest hairstyle...

"

Who cut Messi's hair? Kim Jung Un's guy?

— Tony Diorio (@tony_diorio) May 6, 2015"

As the first leg moved towards its closing stages, praise continued to shower on Die Roten's man between the sticks...

Jamie Redknapp's contributions to the debate, however, were not appreciated... 

"

Jamie Redknapp summing up his football knowledge. "Neuer is the best goalkeeper ever" Done.

— Mal (@TheMalster1) May 6, 2015"

"

Jamie Redknapp just called Neuer the best goalkeeper EVER....... Really? and people wonder why i watch sky with the mute button on

— Captain Trevsco (@Runyaiko) May 6, 2015"

In the 77th minute, the deadlock was finally broken, and it required the services of one of the greatest players of all time..

"

MESSI THE GREATEST TO EVER LIVE

— keval (@BleedBarca) May 6, 2015"

Three minutes later, Messi doubled Barca's advantage with yet another world-class strike that left Jerome Boateng on the floor..

"

This was Messi's first right footed goal since 28 February (away to Granada) #FCBFCB pic.twitter.com/7cVkt6qkQG

— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) May 6, 2015"

"

Lionel Messi (77) now overtakes Cristiano Ronaldo (76) as the all-time top scorer in the Champions League pic.twitter.com/72NX5qzgxD

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 6, 2015"

Bayern may have felt that they had been punished enough, but Neymar made it 3-0 at the 90-minute mark...

"

Neymar celebrating his goal vs Neuer. He now scored 2 goals against him in 2 games. pic.twitter.com/DiSU2lhYLE

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) May 6, 2015"

The game ended 3-0, with Barcelona having exorcised the demons of their 7-0 aggregate defeat to the Germans at this stage two years ago. Pep's side now have it all to do at the Allianz Arena next week...

"

That feeling when the player you used to manage destroys your new team. #Messi #Guardiola pic.twitter.com/8u7RebinZO

— Football Tekkers (@FootbalTekkers) May 6, 2015"