Twitter Reacts as Barcelona Break Arsenal Hearts to Win 2-0 at the Emirates

The moment had finally arrived.

Ever since the draw for the Champions League's last 16, Arsenal against Barcelona was always going to be the glamour tie.

"

Arsenal fans right now. pic.twitter.com/u1c3FtrtbU

— Copa90 (@Copa90) February 23, 2016"

Barcelona's dominance in Spain has been well documented...

"

Your turn, Arsenal.. pic.twitter.com/lWYQOQ1f1o

— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) February 23, 2016"

As had Arsenal's struggle to assert themselves on the Premier League title race. The stats weren't in the home side's favour, either:

All in all, Gunners fans were not confident.

"

Arsenal fans right now pic.twitter.com/jLTRJoMjUc

— BarcaHD (@Barcelona_HD) February 23, 2016"

"

Every Arsenal fan when they saw Barcelona's starting line-up... #MSN #AFCvFCB pic.twitter.com/O0Ad9uOJSM

— Copa90 (@Copa90) February 23, 2016"

Though Arsenal did have a secret weapon...

Well, two secret weapons.

There was a little concern over how Per Mertesacker might fare against Barcelona's epic front three of Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

But Arsenal settled into the game well and could have taken the lead through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Messi tried a cheeky free-kick under the Gunners' wall, but to no avail.

Suarez had two golden chances as the first half wound down but couldn't beat Cech.

Olivier Giroud's second-half header was palmed away by Marc-Andre ter Stegen...

And Arsenal fans began to hope.

But that was when Suarez, Neymar and Messi combined to put Barca in front.

Mathieu Flamini came on as a substitute and promptly hauled down Messi, who made it 2-0 from the spot.

It was heartbreak for Arsenal fans.

The Gunners now have an almighty task ahead of them if they're to reach the last eight, requiring at least two goals at Camp Nou to advance.

The second leg is in Barcelona in three weeks.

[Twitter]