Liverpool legend John Barnes insists the Reds did not deserve to lose 3-0 to Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday and should take positives from how they performed for large spells against the Catalan giants.
Lionel Messi struck twice in the last 15 minutes to turn a one-goal deficit into an almost impossible task for the Reds at Anfield next Tuesday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were denied an important away goal with Roberto Firmino’s shot cleared off the line and Mohamed Salah’s follow-up smashing against a post, but Barnes said the general performance was pleasing despite not finishing their chances.
“What I always do when I assess a game is I take the goals out of the game because you might win 6-0 or lose 6-0 and not play particularity well,” said the 55-year-old, speaking at DHL Swing against Cancer event in Dubai.
“Last night was an example. Liverpool didn’t deserve to lose 3-0. In fact, in the second half they were the better team and the same in the first 30 minutes of the first half. Unfortunately they didn’t finish the chances they created.”
The scoreline was harsh on the away side as, for a 20-minute spell in the second period, they had Barcelona under pressure to the extent they switched to a 4-4-2 formation and brought on an extra defender in Nelson Semedo for former Liverpool player Philippe Coutinho.
“I’ve never seen a Barcelona team, in the second half, not able to keep the ball. They were not only outplayed but Liverpool had more possession than them,” said Barnes.
“It was a good performance but, of course, when you put the goals into it, they lost 3-0 and it’s a shame.
“It shows the quality they have and they have world class players who can put the ball in the back of the net. We created chances but couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.”
Heading into the second leg in Anfield next Tuesday, the Reds need to threaten more and convert their chances, something they have normally done well in recent months, but failed to execute at the Camp Nou.
“We created chances and gave their back four problems. If we create as many chances at Anfield I will be happy. Creating those chances at Anfield it could be three or four nil,” said Barnes.
“Unfortunately being 3-0 down means if Barcelona now, were going to have to score five goals.
“The Anfield crowd will be up for it and we know we will create chances. Now they are overwhelming favourites.”
