Suarez and Pique add to Roma's defensive misfortune

Ernesto Valverde’s side found themselves two goals to the good thanks to Roma’s bad luck, before Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez scored either side of an Edin Dzeko effort.

The game started in much the fashion that many would have expected. Barcelona dominated possession, but Roma were well drilled at the back and were quick to snuff out any danger. Lionel Messi in particular was restricted to shots from range, crowded out as soon as he got into any threatening positions.

However, it was Roma who had the first real impact on the game. Edin Dzeko was fouled by Umtiti in the box, and Barcelona were extremely lucky that a penalty was not awarded.

Following this, it became apparent that it was going to need something special or downright odd to break the deadlock, and that moment arrived on 38 minutes. Iniesta’s low pass to Messi was cut out by De Rossi on the edge of the box, only for his touch to take the ball all the way to the bottom corner past Alisson.

Barcelona had the lead they would have expected, but not in the way they could have forseen. And the bad luck was to strike again for Roma after half time.

Perotti missed a header 20 seconds after kickoff that would have levelled the tie, and nine minutes after that, they shot themselves in the foot again.

Rakitic’s cross was attacked by Umtiti and canonned onto the post. It rebounded back and off the unfortunate Manolas, who could do nothing about it, over the line.

To come back from a two goal lead against Barcelona is difficult, and the task grew even more three minutes later. Suarez tried to curl an effort that Alisson saved, only for Gerard Pique to tap in the rebound.

 

4 April 2018

Edin Dzeko did pull one back for Roma, giving them a lifeline in the tie, but Suarez himself restored the lead three minutes from time - his first Champions League goal in 13 months.

The two teams will face off again in Rome next week, the Italians needing to score at least three to progress. For Barca, their quest for a treble continues.

 

4 April 2018