Barcelona were not at their best but still earned an impressive 4-1 win over Roma on Wednesday to put one foot in the Champions League semifinals.
The Catalans benefitted from own goals from Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas with Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez also striking. Edin Dzeko pulled one back for the visitors at 3-0, but Roma still face an uphill struggle in the second leg next Tuesday.
Positives
Luis Suarez finally ended his Champions League goal drought, firing home in the 87th minute to score his first in the competition in 11 matches, with his last European goal coming in the 6-1 last-16 win over PSG last season. Barcelona also started Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Nelson Semedo after their respective injuries.
Negatives
Barcelona were better than in the 2-2 La Liga draw against Sevilla on Saturday but still failed to reach their usual high standards despite the scoreline. On another day, with more accurate finishing, Roma might have been able to earn at least a draw.
Manager rating (out of 10)
6 -- Ernesto Valverde sprang a surprise by starting Semedo and the Portuguese rewarded him with a good performance. However, he also moved Sergi Roberto into midfield and dropped Ousmane Dembele, and with Philippe Coutinho unavailable, the Frenchman's pace and creativity was noticeably missed.
Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 7 -- The German goalkeeper pulled off two excellent saves in the second half which kept Barcelona three goals up. Admittedly one of them was as a result of an error of his own making, losing the ball to Dzeko but superbly flying back across his goal to keep Gregoire Defrel's effort out.
DF Nelson Semedo, 7 -- The Portuguese right-back was surprisingly thrown into the fray after injury, for his first appearance since February. An early scare saw him trip Dzeko in the box and get away scot free, but after that improved and was an important outlet on the right flank.
DF Gerard Pique, 8 -- Defended well throughout, leading the team at the back and bringing the ball forward from defence well when required to. Scored Barcelona's third goal, on hand to tap home after Alisson kept out Suarez's low-driven effort.
DF Samuel Umtiti, 7 -- Ignoring the rumours circling over his future in the Spanish media, the Frenchman put in another good performance. His presence led to Barcelona's second goal, with Manolas kicking the ball against his own post and then into his net as he tried to stop Umtiti from reaching it.
DF Jordi Alba, 7 -- The Spaniard raced in to intercept a loose ball near the end which stopped Roma from breaking in on goal, and most of his work came in his own half on this occasion. Quiet going forward, even though he's used to contributing in attack too.
MF Sergio Busquets, 8 -- With the holding midfielder's return from a toe injury, Barcelona looked more like their usual selves than against Sevilla. Helped them control the game until he was taken off for a rest, which was when Roma started creating chances.
MF Ivan Rakitic, 7 -- The Croatian had many defensive tasks which he took on without complaint, and he nearly opened the scoring too, on one of several bursts forward. Rakitic fired in a low cross-shot which struck the far post in the first half.
MF Andres Iniesta, 8 -- Barcelona's captain led the way, creating chances and helping the team dominate the ball in midfield. Iniesta played in Suarez to strike early on but the Uruguayan's goal was ruled out for offside. It was his pass which De Rossi deflected into his own goal for the opener.
MF Sergi Roberto 7 -- Although we're now more accustomed to seeing Roberto feature on the right of the defence, he was given a rare run-out further forward, in his more natural position. Slick on the ball, was tireless in his running, and helped Semedo with the defensive duties on the flank.
FW Lionel Messi, 7 -- Although Messi did not directly contribute to a goal, if De Rossi had not diverted Iniesta's ball into his own net, the Argentine star was waiting to pounce. On the ball, he was always a threat to Roma and he moved a lot to find it. This was, though, the first time in eight games over all competitions in which he hasn't scored.
FW Luis Suarez, 7 -- Scrapped and battled his way through the game but looked set to go unrewarded for his efforts, before he broke his Champions League duck late on. Suarez's unselfish work eventually received the reward it deserved, and it could be the goal that sends Barcelona through to the semis.
Substitutes
MF Paulinho, 5 -- Brought on to give Busquets a rest with Barcelona 3-0 up, but as soon as he was introduced the team looked less sure of itself and started leaking chances.
MF Andre Gomes, NR -- Replaced the exhausted Sergi Roberto late on.
MF Denis Suarez, NR -- Only had a few minutes in a cameo role after coming on for Iniesta, but helped set up his namesake Luis Suarez for the fourth.