Barcelona put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals with an eventually commanding if fortuitous 4-1 win at home against Roma.
Two own goals, from Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas put Ernesto Valverde’s side 2-0 up and Gerard Pique made it 3-0. Edin Dzeko netted an away goal for the Giallorossi, but Luis Suarez’s late fourth put the game – and probably the tie – to bed.
Here, we take a look at the player ratings for both sides:
BARCELONA (4-4-2)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 6: Made a couple of excellent saves – one of his own making after an awful clearance – but could do nothing to keep out Dzeko’s goal. Occasionally struggled with his distribution as Roma harried him well.
Nelson Semedo – 7: Bright attacking outlet down the right and just about did enough defensively despite not always looking convincing. This was his first start since February but he should get some more soon.
Gerard Pique – 9: Manned the fort defensively with commendable control and discipline, and found time to stride forward and tap home the third goal. Also made a couple of key blocks inside his area in an outstanding display.
Samuel Umtiti – 5: Conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box with an ill-timed challenge, and was lucky to be unpunished after day-dreaming with a cross in the second half. Well below his usual standards.
Jordi Alba – 6: Gave his team plenty of attacking thrust with overlapping runs, even though he couldn’t find his usual connection with Messi.
Sergi Roberto – 6: Energetic display in midfield, regularly injecting a sense of urgency with his direct running but often lacking control in distribution, and always on the mark defensively. Replaced by Gomes near the end.
Ivan Rakitic – 8: Struck the post with a sharp cross-shot and had another effort deflected over. Always prominent in midfield, regularly anticipating well to gain possession, and delivered a fantastic low cross for the second goal.
Sergio Busquets – 6: Didn’t exert his usual impact in the first half, seemingly struggling for full fitness after his recent injury. Replaced 20 minutes into the second half by Paulinho.
Andres Iniesta – 7: Played an integral role with the opener, ‘assisting’ De Rossi’s own goal, and produced some velvet touches and changes of pace to open up the visiting defence before being replaced near the end.
Lionel Messi – 6: Uncharacteristically sloppy in the first half, regularly being caught in possession, although he did test Alisson with a fierce drive. Sent a pair of second-half right-footed efforts too close to the keeper and skied another shot too high.
Luis Suarez – 7: Had an early strike rightly disallowed for offside, another shot deflected wide and forced a good low save from Alisson. Often clumsy in possession, but played a role in the third goal and netted the fourth well.
SUBS
Paulinho – 6: Came into midfield to add some physicality and filled that task well, but often slowed down his team’s possessions by taking too much touches on the ball.
Andre Gomes – N/A: Entered with less than ten minutes remaining and worked hard on the right of midfield.
Denis Suarez – N/A: Came on for the last few minutes and showed some silky touches, including the cross for the fourth goal.
