Champion's League: Misfiring Barca go through

BARCELONA, November 4 (Champions League) - Basle substitute Eren Derdiyok struck seven minutes from time as Barcelona forfeited their 100% record in this season's Champions League, although the point was enough to book their place in the knockout stages.

The hosts had been expected to coast past their Swiss visitors after recording a 5-0 triumph in Basle a fortnight ago.

But that was not the case as they endured a frustrating night in front of goal until Lionel Messi stepped off the bench to score his fourth of the campaign after 61 minutes.

That had looked to be enough to clinch a fourth win in as many games for Pep Guardiola's side, but they were punished for their lack of cutting edge when Derdiyok fired a shot in at the near post.

Guardiola made five changes from the team that beat Malaga 4-1 at the weekend with big names Messi, Xavi, Samuel Eto'o, Yaya Toure and Daniel Alves dropping out of the starting XI. In their place Thierry Henry, Alexander Hleb, Bojan, Victor Sanchez and Sylvinho earned call-ups.

Henry endured a frustrating opening half as he failed to find the net despite a host of chances.

The France striker wasted the first of his opportunities in just the fourth minute when, after being sent free in the area, he ominously opened his shoulders only to shoot wide of the far post.

Basle could have taken an unlikely lead after 19 minutes but for the quick reactions of Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdez.

A Marko Perovic corner to the top of the six-yard box caused consternation in the home defence, with the ball finally breaking for Marco Streller whose poked shot was smothered by Valdez at the back post.

Barcelona almost hit back immediately with a flowing move again playing Henry through on goal only for Franco Costanzo to some out and make a block on the edge of the six-yard box.

Costanzo did even better after 37 minutes to again deny Henry, who rose highest to meet a Bojan free-kick, which he glanced on target only to see the Basle stopper make a splendid diving save to his right.

Costanzo was enjoying an impressive evening between the posts and made further saves from Bojan and Gerard Pique before the break.

Henry's frustrations continued after the break with the striker heading wide when unmarked, although he was flagged for offside.

Guardiola responded by introducing Messi and Xavi on the hour mark, with Bojan and Victor Sanchez making way.

It took Messi just two minutes to find the net following a neat one-two with Henry at the edge of the area, which allowed the Argentina international enough time to compose himself and pass the ball past the despairing Costanzo.

The home side then pushed forward in search of the second goal that would have made the game safe with Pique rattling the crossbar from close range with a header.

They were made to pay for not finding that goal when, after 83 minutes, Derdiyok crashed home a shot at the near post from Carlitos' right-wing cross.

Barcelona had a chance deep in injury time when Xavi lined up a 25-yard free-kick but he sent his shot wide.