Halfman don’t often have to play the dogged defenders, but an early goal from Aubameyang – a ferocious solo effort – set them up for some rearguard action against the league’s clear favourites. Farcelona hammered on the door, Barella trying everything to feed the forward line and Szczesny in superb form, making save after save. The hosts were exceptional but persistence eventually told, when a rebound fell to an unmarked Dembele in the 87th minute. Points dropped for the Farce, but it will feel like a victory.

By Karen ‘The Executioner’ Neville