Barcelona rout jittery Roma 4-1
BARCELONA: Barcelona can start planning for the Champions League semi-finals but their 4-1 win over Roma Wednesday will not necessarily have rivals quivering in their boots.
Two own-goals, from Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas, and a close-range finish from Gerard Pique, presented the Catalans with a flattering 3-0 advantage at the Camp Nou before Edin Dzeko snatched Roma a late away goal. But, just as the Italians looked to have grabbed a lifeline, Luis Suarez restored the threegoal cushion, by scoring a fourth in the 87th minute.
It means Barca will head to Italy next week with a place in the last four in their grasp but this was not an attacking display. Instead, they benefited from two own goals. Ernesto Valverde’s side are unlikely to meet as generous an opponent in the semi-final. After Cristiano Ronaldo’s spectacular bicycle kick for Real Madrid on Tuesday, even Lionel Messi, back from injury here, endured a slightly frustrating night, his shots and dribbles for once meeting opponents rather than the net. Messi returned to the starting line-up after recovering from his hamstring complaint, as did Sergio Busquets, back after breaking his toe against Chelsea three weeks ago.
Roma’s own midfield enforcer Radja Nainggolan was missing with a hamstring strain.
Barca struggled for fluency in the first half, with Roma’s nineman defensive action largely successful in channelling their opponents’ attacks down the centre, where the visitors were able to tackle, block and contain the space. The only real early threat from Barca came through Ivan Rakitic’s shot, which curved all the way through to the far post, which it struck and bounced out.