1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. g1f3  2... d7d5  3. c1f4  3... c7c5  4. e2e3  4... b8c6  5. b1d2  5... c5d4  6. e3d4  6... d8b6  7. d2b3  7... c8g4  8. a2a4  8... a7a6 A novelty, which prevents the white a-pawn from  going too far. 9. a4a5  9... b6a7  10. c2c3  10... e7e6  11. f1e2  11... f6h5  12. f4e3  12... a7b8  13. h2h3  13... g4f3  14. e2f3  14... h5f6  15. f3e2  15... f8d6  16. e2d3  16... e8g8  17. e1g1  17... b8c7  18. f1e1 The  opening phase is over, and a typical Carlsbad pawn structure arose. The  plans are clear: White needs to attack on the kingside with his pieces,  whereas Black ideally should react with a minority attack on the opposite  wing. Carlsen, however, seems better prepared for the execution of his  plan. 18... g8h8 Aronian prepares against the nasty Be3-g5 maneuver.  19. d1f3  19... a8e8  20. e3g5  20... f6g8  21. e1e2 One of those very useful moves that define the style of the  world champion. As usual Carlsen sees into the future. 21... g8e7  22. f3h5 Now he wants to weaken again. 22... e7g6  Rejected. 23. d3c2 Another useful move. The bishop steps away from the  possible mishaps. Notice that the white rook is defending it. 23... h8g8  24. g5d2 One more preparatory move. The Norwegian GM clearly understands  that Black's only chance for counterplay is related to the b7-b6 advance  and prepares for it. 24... c6b4  25. c2b1  25... b4c6  26. b1d3 The preparation against the b7-b6 advance continues. 26... e8b8  27. d2e3  27... f8e8  28. g2g3  28... g6f8 Aronian has all his pieces ready for the counterplay. 29. d3c2  29... b7b6  30. a5b6  30... b8b6 Finally, the queenside is opened. 31. e3c1  31... e8b8  32. b3c5  32... e6e5 Aronian is looking for tactical chances as he clearly  understands that in the long run his position will slowly get weaker and  weaker. 33. c5a6 The principled capture. The knight is in danger, but Carlsen  trusts its inner strength as well as the ability of the other pieces to  help. 33... c7a7  34. d4e5  34... g7g6 This was apparently planned by Aronian in advance. 35. h5g4 The queen hurries to rescue the knight. 35... c6e5  36. g4a4  36... b8c8 Best. 37. c1e3  37... d5d4  38. e3d4  38... e5f3  39. g1g2  39... f3d4  40. a4d4  40... f8e6  41. e2e6 A strong sacrifice. 41... f7e6  42. c2e4 White's pieces are dominating. If he is given a  chance to start pushing his queenside pawns, it will be all over for  Aronian soon. 42... c8f8 Again the best defense by the Armenian GM.