Ailing Messi inspires Barca to comeback against PSG

Qatari flavor

In a match with a distinctly Qatari flavor - PSG are owned by the oil-and gas-rich Arab nation and Qatar Foundation is Barca's main sponsor - the visitors made a lively start.

Ezequiel Lavezzi latched onto a Sergio Busquets error and raced through the middle in the fourth minute but his control let him down and Valdes was able to clear.

Paris St Germain's David Beckham embraces Barcelona's Lionel Messi at the end of their Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, April 10, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

The Spain keeper was called on again in the 24th minute when Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent Lavezzi clear and he saved well with an outstretched leg before palming a powerful Lucas header over the bar as PSG pressed for a goal.

Despite boasting nine Spain internationals in their starting lineup, Barca were looking unusually ragged with the normally impeccable Busquets misplacing several passes and fullback Daniel Alves fluffing a couple of crosses.

Xavi flashed an early free kick wide and Pedro fired into the side netting in the 21st minute but otherwise the La Liga leaders were ineffective going forward.

Barca were in danger of suffering their first Champions League defeat at the Nou Camp since losing 2-1 to Russian side Rubin Kazan in October 2009.

However, Pedro, who also received the all-clear to play shortly before the match after a muscle injury, made sure Barca's name would be included in Friday's draw for the last four.

Archrivals Real Madrid, last year's finalists Bayern Munich and the side they displaced as German champions at the weekend, Borussia Dortmund, are also through.

"We showed we could attack Barcelona but unfortunately they got the goal that saved them," Pastore told Canal Plus.

"When they got their goal you saw a different Barcelona," added the Argentine, a team mate of Messi's in the national team.

"They kept the ball and were much more relaxed. You could see it in their faces. It's the way they like to play."

The semifinal draw will be made on Friday. The semifinal first legs will take place on April 23-24, the second legs on April 30-May 1.

Teams qualified for Champions League semifinals

Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid

Barcelona

Bayern Munich