A headed goal from Gerard Pique has handed Barcelona a 1-0 lead at the break in their Champions League clash with APOEL.
The home side threatened early on as they won a free kick when Lionel Messi was fouled just outside the box. The Argentine took the set piece himself, but his shot was well saved by Urko Pardo.
Neymar went close for Luis Enrique's men as they increased the pressure on the APOEL goal. The Brazilian raided down the left and cut inside on his right foot before blazing an effort just wide of the target.
Barcelona went ahead in the 28th minute as they won a free kick down the right when Dani Alves was fouled. Messi curled the set piece towards the near post, where it was met by Pique who headed his effort into the bottom corner.
Enrique's side nearly doubled their lead just before the break when Neymar broke down the left and picked a pass for Messi inside the box. The Argentine drilled a powerful shot at goal, but Pardo made a good save to beat the ball away.
Simon Sinclair
