Barcelona welcomed Roma to Camp Nou in the Champions League on Tuesday knowing that a point would see the Spanish giants and indeed holders qualify from Group E in first position.
Bayer Leverkusen's dropped points against BATE Borisov in the group's earlier match ensured that Barcelona qualified for the knockout stages, while a win for Roma this evening would also have seen them make the round of 16.
The home side were two goals ahead inside 18 minutes, however, with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi both on the scoresheet, before Suarez added his second of the evening in the 44th minute.
Gerard Pique made it 4-0 in the 56th minute and four minutes later, Messi added his second and Barcelona's fifth.
Neymar missed a chance to get in on the act from the penalty spot in the 77th minute, but Adriano was on the rebound to send the home side 6-0 ahead on what was a feast of football at Camp Nou.
Roma had the chance to score a late consolation from the penalty spot, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept out Edin Dzeko's spot kick. Dzeko was not to be denied, however, and netted in stoppage time for the visitors.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League Group E coverage continues from Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Roma. A point for the hosts would see them qualify from the section as winners, while they could also lose and still qualify if Bayer Leverkusen drop points against BATE Borisov in Group E's other match, which is about to finish. By the same token, dropped points for Leverkusen and a Roma win would see the Italian side qualify for the round of 16. It is currently 1-1 with 90 mins on the clock in Belarus!
This is of course the second meeting between the two teams in Group E and the first match, which finished 1-1, will be remembered for Alessandro Florenzi's stunning long-range strike which levelled the scores after Neymar had sent Barcelona into an early lead. The last time that the pair met at Camp Nou in the Champions League was back in 2002, when the points were shared in a 1-1 draw in the second group stage. Right, it is time for me to bring you the team news here...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba; Rakitic, Roberto, Busquets; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
ROMA: Szczesny; Maicon, Rudiger, Manolas, Digne; Nainggolan, Keita, Pjanic; Florenzi, Dzeko, Falque
Guess who is back! The main man himself, Lionel Messi. He returned off the bench in El Clasico at the weekend, but goes straight into the XI this evening, resuming his spot in the final third alongside the excellent Neymar and Luis Suarez. Elsewhere, Javier Mascherano misses out with a thigh problem, meaning that there is a spot for Thomas Vermaelen alongside Gerard Pique.
© AFP
As for Roma, there surprise news is that Daniele de Rossi is only on the bench. Miralem Pjanic, Seydou Keita and Radja Nainggolan will start in a midfield three, while it appears that Florenzi, who scored that wonder-goal in the first leg, will operate on the right side of the attack. On-loan Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko leads the line and it is Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.
ALL OVER IN BELARUS! Leverkusen have been held to a 1-1 draw at BATE, meaning that a win for Roma this evening would see the Italian side advance from Group E. That is a big lift before kickoff, but they still have to collect all the points tonight. We are little under 45 minutes from kickoff in Barcelona!
Incredibly, Barcelona have never actually beaten Roma in the Champions League – drawing two and losing one of their three European games against the Italian giants. As a result, Roma are the only team to have played Barcelona in Europe more than twice without suffering defeat – some record.
Barcelona are certainly the favourites to claim all the points this evening and they will enter the match off the back of that incredible 4-0 win at Real Madrid on Saturday. The Clasico result sent shockwaves around the world of football and once more suggested that Luis Enrique's side will again be the team to beat in both Spain and Europe this season. They are looking formidable again.
That win over Real Madrid moved Barcelona six points clear at the top of La Liga, while the Spanish giants have won their last eight home games in the Champions League. Taking that further, they have won 28 of their last 35 home games in this competition and suffered just one defeat – a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich in May 2013. Since then, they have been sensational in this stadium.
Barcelona are also unbeaten in their last nine home games against Italian opposition and their overall record against Serie A visitors is strong – winning 13 of their 20 home matches and losing just twice. They are in a very comfortable position in the group and have been since day one.
Luis Enrique's side opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Roma, but have since won their last three games in the competition. They were narrow winners over Bayer Leverkusen in this stadium, before winning home and away against BATE Borisov. Next month, they will finish with a trip to Leverkusen, whose hopes of qualification is no longer in their own hands.
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Lionel Messi is now back to fitness following a knee problem, but it is not as if the team have struggled in his absence. Both Neymar and Suarez have been in wonderful form this season, with the pair contributing 28 goals between them. They have been a real double-act in recent months and now Messi is back in the mix, it threatens to be another record-breaking season for the trio.
Barcelona are indeed attempting to become the first club in the modern era to successfully defend the Champions League – a trophy that they have won in four of the last 10 seasons. Bayern Munich are the favourites for many this season, but it would take a brave man to bet against this Barcelona team, who will also be in Club World Cup action once again before the year is out.
As for Roma, the Italian side have not won away from home in the Champions League for seven matches – losing three times in the process. They will have fond memories of their last trip to Spain in this competition, however, when they recorded a 2-1 win over Real Madrid. It is a big ask to go to the Camp Nou and win, but Roma certainly have plenty of quality players in their XI tonight.
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As mentioned, Rudi Garcia's team currently sit second in the group on five points. Since drawing with Barcelona in their group opener, they lost to BATE in Belarus, before drawing with Leverkusen in Germany and beating the same opponents on home soil. Victory tonight would now see them qualify.
Not since the 2007-08 season have Roma made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and they were eliminated in the group stages last season after losing to Manchester City on matchday six. It would be seen as a failure if last season's Serie A runners-up did not make it through this section alongside Barcelona, but they have been far from convincing thus far.
Roma will enter this match off the back of a 2-2 draw with Bologna at the weekend, which left Garcia's side fourth in Serie A on 27 points. They have only lost one of their last nine games in all competition, but it was a big defeat as they went down 1-0 at Inter Milan. As it stands, it is Inter that lead the Italian top flight, but they are just three points clear of fourth-place Roma after 13 games.
The players start the warm-up https://t.co/KIhYoBUZrF #FCBvRoma #FCBlive
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 24, 2015
PREDICTION! In truth, I am finding it very difficult to look past Barcelona this evening. Messi's return to the starting XI will further boost what is already a very confident team. Roma have a number of talented players in their ranks, but for me, Barcelona will run out comfortable 2-0 winners.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes. Here is the situation - Barcelona have already qualified, but a point tonight would ensure that they topped the group. As for Roma, win and they would join Barcelona in the knockout stages from Group E.
KICKOFF! It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium on what is a chilly night in Barcelona. Winter even hits Spain, sometimes anyway. Incidentally, tonight's match officials are from Turkey. Right, it is the visitors that get the game underway at Camp Nou...
... as expected, Barcelona have not taken long to gain control of the possession here, with Vermaelen and Pique exchanging passes in a defensive area. You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight could be vital. An early strike from Roma and the Italians could well be in business here.
Neymar has the chance to open his legs down the left after a super pass from Vermaelen, but Manolas is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner is delivered by Neymar and headed clear at the near post by Pjanic. The hosts are very much on the front foot in the early minutes and look to be in business when Messi slides a pass into Neymar, but the Brazilian is flagged just offside.
SAVE! Messi bursts into life for Barcelona as he turns outside the box before angling one towards the top corner, but it is a smart save from Szczesny, who palms behind for a corner. Messi is back then!
GOAL DISALLOWED! Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Neymar rolls a low cross into Messi, who converts from close range, but the flag was raised against Neymar. I am not sure about that one to be honest - it looked very close, but for me, the Brazil skipper was just onside.
Roma have not really been allowed to put a glove on Barcelona in the opening nine minutes, with the home side utterly in control of matters on the field. It looks to be only a matter of time here.
CHANCE! Busquets picks out Messi with a sensational through pass and the Argentine goes one-on-one with the Roma goalkeeper, but the attacker's effort is just wide of the post! Warning again!
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Roma this time as Dzeko arrives unmarked inside the Barcelona box following a short corner, but the striker heads over the crossbar from close range. It is an unbelievable opportunity for the visitors to take a surprise lead in Barcelona!
There is barely 15 minutes on the clock and we could have had three or four goals already, which is an indication of what type of start it has been. Let's hope that the tempo continues here!
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Roma (Suarez)
Barcelona score, of course. And of course it is one of the front three. Suarez gets his name on the scoresheet as he converts from close range following a low cross from Alves. It was Messi's through pass that initially set Alves away and in truth, it was a goal from the moment Alves found Suarez.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Roma (Messi)
How is that knee Lionel? Pretty good then. Barcelona have their second of the match as Messi controls a bouncing ball inside the Roma box before lifting his effort over the onrushing goalkeeper, who could do nothing but watch the Argentine drop the ball into the bottom corner.
If Neymar, Suarez and Messi continue to link like this then we might as well just call it a day now and forget the sport of football. They are just too good. It is not actually fair how good they are.
Possession football from the home side as they continue to utterly dominate the ball on home soil. You have to feel for Roma, they are not playing that badly, they just cannot get in the game.
Not too much to report in terms of chances since Barcelona scored their second, but it is still the home side in control of the possession. Alves cuts inside before finding Messi, who attempts to bend an outrageous pass into the path of Neymar, but for once, the Argentine's radar is a little off!
Pass, pass, pass. Times that by about 100 and that is what Roma are facing at the moment. This could easily be four or five already and Roma need to find a way of stopping the MSN up top.
Roma have been dominated in the opening 30 minutes, but if they can get one goal back, it would put a different complexion on the match. Just a reminder that a win for the Italian side tonight would see them advance into the round of 16. Barcelona are already there after Leverkusen slipped up against BATE and they need just a point to make sure of first position in the section.
Barcelona's second goal. Enjoy...
Neymar, Suárez y Messi = GOLAZO #genius pic.twitter.com/qoTDgpXynp
— FCB (@Emenderk) November 24, 2015
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Barcelona and the home side are still very comfortable. I think this is what they call 'game management'. Barcelona are simply the best around and killing games and then suffocating the opposition. Roma's high line continues to cause their own problems as Messi slides a pass into Neymar, but the flag is raised once again here.
Roma just look petrified of going forward at the moment, but you cannot afford to just let this Barcelona team play because they will run riot. In truth, without sounding like a kill-joy, this game is over as a contest. You can quote me on that as well - Roma are not getting back in this one.
Earth to Ter Stegen, earth to Ter Stegen. It is okay, the German is alive and well. However, he might as well not be there at the moment. This game is taking place in one half of the field.
Roma manage to string four, five passes together and indeed move up the field, but it does not last for long as Dzeko is crowded out in the final third. Still 2-0 to Barcelona with 40 on the clock.
BOOKING! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Keita.
SAVE! Much better from Roma as Pjanic delivers a super free kick into the path of Florenzi, who drills a low cross towards the near post, but Ter Stegen gets down well to clear for a corner!
Slightly sloppy period for Barcelona as Busquets chops Maicon to the deck, handing Roma another chance to deliver good quality into the penalty area. A goal now would make it interesting...
... Pjanic tries to pick out Keita at the near post, but Pique is on hand to clear down-field.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Roma (Suarez)
I'm out. Barcelona are officially too good. The home side have their third of the match and Suarez has his second as the striker thumps a volley into the bottom corner from just inside the box. It is a stunning finish from the Uruguay international, who cannot seem to do any wrong at the moment.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Roma
The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading Roma 3-0 courtesy of a double from Suarez and a goal from Messi on his return to the team. To be blunt, Barcelona have been too good in the first period. Roma's task now is to simply avoid taking a complete hiding here.
STATISTICS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 73%, while they have had five attempts - four of which were on target. As for Roma, both of their efforts thus far have been off target. Just the one yellow to report, with Pique having his name taken in the 41st minute at Camp Nou.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have a certain Andres Iniesta on their bench this evening, while the likes of Munir El-Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez will also hope to be given minutes in the second period. Roma, meanwhile, have options in the shape of De Rossi, Iturbe and Ucan.
RESTART! Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Roma find a way of stopping this Barcelona machine?! It is the hosts that resume the action here...
... BARCELONA SUB! Samper replaces Busquets for the hosts.
ROMA SUB! Roma also make a change as Iturbe replaces Nainggolan.
Roma need an early goal in this half if they are to stand any chance of securing a positive result, but it is difficult to imagine Barcelona not scoring more goals in the second period. It will be interesting to see how Samper does in the middle of the park. The youngster is a super talent.
Pique - who do you think you are? Messi? Suarez? The centre-back links with Neymar and sends the Brazilian away with a sensational flick. Everyone is at it now! The hosts eventually work a shooting chance as Alves finds Messi, but his strike is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
SAVE! Neymar feels left out and wants a goal here. The Brazilian almost has one as he strikes the ball towards the top corner, but Szczesny is on hand to make a smart save!
Roma are doing their best to try and fashion something in the final third, but it is easier said than done. This Barcelona team just suffocate you all over the field. Just a reminder that as it stands, Barcelona would qualify as Group E winners and Roma would face a battle to finish second.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for the away side to register as Dzeko sets up Falque inside the Barcelona box, but the attacker's rasping strike is pushed wide of the post by Ter Stegen!
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Roma (Pique)
Pique what are you doing up there! Barcelona have their fourth of the match and it is Pique that converts from close range after a low cross from Messi. Suarez and Neymar will be jealous!
BARCELONA SUB! Marc Bartra replaces Pique.
BOOKING! Alves (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Dzeko.
ROMA SUB! Vainqueur enters the field in place of Florenzi.
GOAL! Barcelona 5-0 Roma (Messi)
Make that five. Barcelona are absolutely running riot here as Neymar picks out Suarez, who in turn finds Messi and the Argentine converts at the second time of asking after initially being denied by the Roma goalkeeper. The initial control from Neymar at the start of the move was just unreal.
BOOKING! Vainqueur (Roma) is booked for a late challenge on Roberto.
BOOKING! Messi (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Iturbe.
BARCELONA SUB! Adriano replaces Roberto for the hosts.
Pjanic takes the resulting free kick following that Messi challenge, but his effort is straight into the wall. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and this could get worse for the visitors here.
Roma manage to break down the right with Maicon, who delivers a cross into Dzeko, but the striker is penalised for a push and Barcelona have a free kick. Still 5-0 with 68 minutes on the clock.
Neymar might not have scored thus far tonight, but he has once again been sensational. Another piece of fine skill sees the Brazilian deliver a low cross towards Rakitic, but a white shirt is there first and Roma break with Iturbe, who has certainly been a threat since entering at the interval here.
CHANCE! Neymar comes close to scoring his first of the night after more super work involving Messi and Suarez, but after breaking into the box, the Brazilian just curls his effort wide of the post.
Roma are not exactly strangers to taking hidings in the Champions League as Manchester United and Bayern Munich fans will remember all too well and they are fortunate that is is only 5-0 at this stage. That said, 15 minutes is more than enough time for Barcelona to score a couple more goals.
PENALTY SHOUT! Big penalty shout for Barcelona as Suarez tumbles inside the box under pressure from Maicon, but the referee is not interested. Suarez is not best pleased there!
ROMA SUB! Ucan replaces Pjanic for the away side.
PENALTY BARCELONA!
This time Barcelona have a penalty as Ucan brings Neymar to the ground!
GOAL! Barcelona 6-0 Roma (Adriano)
Neymar's penalty is saved by the Roma goalkeeper, but Adriano is quickly on the rebound and hammers one into the top corner. It is some strike from the Brazilian - good grief!
Half-chance for Roma this time as Dzeko meets a super cross from the right, but his header was always rising over the crossbar. Little over 10 minutes of this Champions League clash left.
CHANCE! Messi comes close to scoring his third after once again breaking the offside trap, but Szczesny is on hand to make a smart save. It could really have been nine or 10 this evening.
PENALTY ROMA!
Roma have a penalty this time as Dzeko is body-checked by Vermaelen inside the box.
SAVE! Ter Stegen gets down to keep out Dzeko's spot kick! Wow!
Well, this game has been pretty eventful hasn't it! A couple of penalties, six goals, loads of incidents. It has been a wonderful game, well unless you are a supporter of Roma!
Iturbe has probably been Roma's best player this evening and he only came on at the break, which is an indication of their struggles. Barcelona are still looking for more goals in the latter stages here.
Not an awful lot to report as we approach the latter stages here, with Roma actually enjoying a decent spell of possession. Roma still have work to do if they are to get out of Group E.
Another opportunity for Neymar as the Brazilian races into the Roma box, but his effort is deflected over the crossbar for a corner. It seems that the ball will not go in for Neymar this evening!
GOAL! Barcelona 6-1 Roma (Dzeko)
Dzeko has the final say in this match as the striker heads a deep cross into the back of the net. The final whistle is blown moments after, but at least Roma have something for their efforts here.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 6-1 Roma
So there we have it. Barcelona breeze into the knockout stage of the Champions League once again with a 6-1 win over Italian side Roma, who will seemingly battle Leverkusen for second position in Group E. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
