Late drama as PSG scramble draw with Barca

PARIS - Barcelona stayed on track for a sixth consecutive Champions League semifinal appearance despite conceding a last-gasp goal by Blaise Matuidi in a pulsating 2-2 first-leg draw at Paris St Germain on Tuesday.

The 2009 and 2011 champions went in front seven minutes before halftime when Dani Alves produced an exquisite pass with the outside of his right boot straight into the path of Lionel Messi who drove the ball in with his left foot from an acute angle.

Paris St Germain's Thiago Silva (L) challenges Barcelona's Lionnel Messi during their Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, April 2, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

World Player of the Year Messi then sustained a hamstring injury and was replaced by Cesc Fabregas at halftime.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave PSG a lifeline when he scrambled in the equalizer, even though he looked offside before a soaring header from Thiago Silva rebounded to the Sweden striker off the post in the 79th minute.

Xavi calmly restored title favorites Barca's advantage from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu rushed off his line in the 89th minute and brought down Alexis Sanchez.

Matuidi then struck with the last kick of the game when his long-range shot eluded the outstretched fingers of keeper Victor Valdes.

"The referee (German Wolfgang Stark) made some questionable calls," Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura told reporters after the quarterfinal tie.

"It's a good result but it comes at a high price," Roura added, referring to the injuries sustained by Messi and defender Javier Mascherano.

Argentine Mascherano will be out for six weeks after he was carried off on a stretcher with knee ligament damage in the 84th minute.

Midfielder Matuidi was booked and will miss the second leg at the Nou Camp on April 10 through suspension.

David Beckham became the first British player to appear for four different clubs in the Champions League when he was named in PSG's starting lineup.

The former England captain did well in midfield before being taken off midway through the second half.

Paris St Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) celebrates with Blaise Matuidi after scoring against Barcelona during their Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, April 2, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]