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Barcelona are halfway there
With the first leg now out of the way, Barcelona can look forward to the second leg of their matchup with Roma with real confidence. Leaving the Camp Nou with a three-goal cushion and only allowing one away goal, their chances of progressing look good.
4-1 = A lucky result for Barcelona
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Roma’s gaffer, Eusebio di Francesco stated after the game that he felt his side had been treated unfairly by the scoreline based on the way they had played. With two own goals helping them out, many fans and pundits will agree. While Barcelona came out 4-1 winners, they were not at their brilliant best. A performance like this against a Bayern Munich or Juventus would have seen them punished. More will be needed in the weeks to come.
Busquets is peaking at the right time
Although Sergio Busquets was withdrawn early over an injury concern, Sergio is truly showing the world and his team exactly what he has developed into. A counter stopping and attack starting midfielder who never seems to misplace a step. When Spain’s former coach Vincente Del Bosque stated, “If I were a player, I would like to be like Busquets”, he was laughed at. Sergio has helped Barcelona and Spain achieve the highest of highs and his talent was on full display against Roma.
Semedo and Roberto – not the right fit
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Ernesto Valverde can be forgiven for fielding Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo on the right flank against Roma, but the same mistake will not be forgiven against stronger opposition. Both players didn’t really connect with each other on the pitch, something that Ousmane Dembele has proven he can do. Moving forward, the pairing must be given time in La Liga to form more of a partnership, but not in Champions League games.
Suarez nets his first Champions League goal
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After 31 shots on target, Luis Suarez finally registered his first Champions League goal of the campaign. Barcelona will be hoping he has saved his goalscoring exploits for the remaining games left in the season! After a low ball in from Denis Suarez, Luis was quick to strike after an abysmal clearance. Even though it was a bit lucky, Barcelona will hope the goal sparks the fantastic Uruguayan.