Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi stole the show in the Champions League as Barcelona built on their demolition of Real Madrid at the weekend with a 6-1 rout of AS Roma at the Camp Nou.
Barca’s showing was as perfect a dissection of an opponent as you’re ever likely to see, and particular credit must go to Messi and Suarez who were simply outstanding.
Suarez opened the scoring on 15 minutes before turning provider three minutes later to set up Messi and give Luis Enrique’s side a strangle-hold on the match.
The Uruguay frontman himself bagged a third before half time, while Gerard Pique made sure of victory after the break following selfless work from Messi.
The Argentine superstar-making his first start after an injury absence-made it 5-0 just before the hour mark, before Adriano added a sixth on 77 minutes after Neymar had missed a penalty.
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GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen 9/10
A handful of key stops, organised his defence well, and saved Dzeko’s late penalty.
DF Dani Alves – 8.5/10
Contributed an assist for the opener, and excluding a booking on 57 minutes, it was a pretty perfect display.
DF Gerard Pique – 7.5/10
Found the net on 56 minutes and was rested a minute later, replaced by Marc Bartra.
DF Thomas Vermaelen – 7/10
Will be delighted to be fit and playing in big matches like this for Barcelona following the injury nightmare of last season. An able counterpoint for Pique.
DF Jordi Alba – 7/10
Perhaps not at his best, but he didn’t need to be against Alessandro Florenzi and Miralem Pjanic.
MF Ivan Rakitic – 7.5/10
MF Sergio Busquets – 7/10
MF Sergi Roberto – 7.5/10
FW Lionel Messi – 9/10
Returned from injury to remind Barcelona fans that while they’re still pretty special without him, they go to another level when the Argentine wizard is back in town. A goal and an assist.
FW Luis Suarez – 9.5/10
Suarez was simply magic. He scored twice-one of which was a delicious effort-and contributed an assist. Sublime.
FW Neymar – 8/10
Missed a penalty, and was the ‘poorest’ of the attacking trident, but still a superb showing. He made three key passes.
Substitutes:
Adriano – 7.7/10
Try as he might to get in on the scoring frenzy, Messi couldn’t finish in the limited time he had.
Sergi Samper – 7/10
Marc Bartra – 6.5/10