Barcelona 4-1 AS Roma: Player Ratings

Barcelona hosted AS Roma in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinals yesterday. The first half was more or less a disciplined affair where Roma defended diligently and tried to hit the hosts on the break. However, Barcelona took the lead courtesy a fortuitous De Rossi own goal.

The second half saw Barcelona quickly take a three-goal advantage courtesy an own goal from Manolas and a tap-in from Gerard Pique. Dzeko then pulled one back for his team only to then see Suarez score at the other end to make the scoreline 4-1 in the favour of the Blaugrana.

Here, we take a look at how the players fared on the night:

Roma

Allison Becker: 7/10

Becker was a solid presence at the back. He was called into action quite often and did well on a number of occasions. He made excellent stops throughout the match to keep the final scoreline respectable.

Bruno Peres: 6/10

Peres defended his team's right flank quite diligently. He was tentative and always ready to go into a tackle. However, he was quite often overwhelmed by the overlapping Iniesta and Alba combo during the game.

Kostas Manolas: 6/10

This was not a match he would like to remember as he was beaten quite often by Suarez. Additionally, he also scored an unlucky own goal.

Federico Fazio: 6.5/10

Fazio put in a good performance as he was constantly in the way of Messi and company, keeping them at bay for the majority of the game. He made a string of important interceptions and tackles to keep Roma in the game.

Aleksandar Kolarov: 5.5/10

The fullback had a decent outing and defended reasonably well barring the opening few minutes. He stayed narrow but didn't really offer much in attack. His set-piece deliveries could and should have been better.

Kolarov taking a freekick

Alessandro Florenzi: 6/10

Florenzi looked sharp in possession and enjoyed the ball at his feet. However, he just could not deliver the end product. He did win quite a few free-kicks, albeit in not so dangerous areas, which Roma could not capitalize on.

Kevin Strootman: 7/10

Strootman had a decent game. Though he was not very influential in the second half, he came out on top in the midfield battle against Barca’s midfield during the initial 45 minutes. His distribution was efficient if not eye-catching.

Daniele De Rossi: 6.5/10

Like his partner in the middle of the park, he too was solid defensively and also looked effective on the few occasions he pushed forward. However, the second half saw him fade away before being replaced. He too scored an unfortunate own-goal.

Lorenzo: 5/10

The midfielder was combative and efficient in possession. He was intelligent in distribution and defended resolutely. However, he faded away as the match wore on and was beaten too easily in the second half.

Diego Perotti: 7/10

He was the liveliest of Roma's attackers and used his pace well to trouble Barcelona's defenders from counter attacks. However, despite all the pace, the lack of quality was quite apparent.

Edin Dzeko: 7/10

He was crafty in possession, kept the ball in tight spaces and brought some much-needed urgency into Roma's game. He took his goal well with a fine shot past the keeper.

Substitutes

Gonalons: 4/10

He was brought on for an injured Lorenzo. However, he could not execute his job well as Barcelona scored two more after his introduction.

Stephan El Shaarawy: 5/10

Shaarawy replaced Florenzi but could not impact the game much.

Gregoire Defrel: N/A

Barcelona

Pique scored for Barcelona

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 6/10

Ter Stegen had quite an amazing outing. Quick off his lines, it was he who stood firm and stopped Roma from pulling things back in the second half. Ter Stegen pulled off a number of saves including a couple of fantastic stops off Perotti's shots in the second half.

Nelson Semedo: 7.5/10

The Portuguese right-back was solid in defence and ever willing to join the attack whenever called upon. His passing was crisp and he made a few interesting runs on the right flank for Barcelona.

Gerard Pique: 8/10

Pique had a good game as he dominated and won everything that came his way in the air. He won headers, made blocks and clearances and was a calm head in the heart of the Barca defence.

Samuel Umtiti: 6.5/10

This was an average game for the Frenchman. He made the occasional tackle and interception but also showed signs of rust, especially against Roma's runners.

Jordi Alba: 6.5/10

The Spanish International was much quieter today. He was left with a lot to deal with on his flank but generally did come out on top.

Sergi Roberto: 7/10

The make-shift right-winger was a star performer for FC Barcelona today. He made a lot of defensive contributions to keep the score at 0-0 in the first half. He was involved in the attack as well and was a part of most of the good things the hosts did on the night.

Sergio Busquets: 7/10

The Spanish International was influential throughout the game. He broke plays and started attacks from his own half. This was a good commanding display from him in the middle of the park.

Ivan Rakitic: 6/10

The Croatian was unlucky to hit the post in the first half, and linked up well with the rest of the Barcelona midfield for the most part.

Andres Iniesta: 8/10

Even at the age of 34, he is a class act. Once he came into his own, Barcelona took total control of the game. He glided through the park creating numerous opportunities for himself as well as his teammates. He assisted Daniele De Rossi's own goal.

Lionel Messi: 7/10

This was not the usual Leo Messi performance. He was dangerous on the ball and always looked to make something happen. However, for all his creativity, he seemed to have left his scoring boots at home for this fixture.

Luisito, back with a bang

Luis Suarez: 6/10

Luis Suarez did everything right today and, as a reward, got his first Champions League goal in a year. He pressed defenders, he ran the channels, held up play, etc. It was his shot which was parried into Pique's path by Allison.

Substitutions

Paulinho: 5.5/10

Brought on for Busquets, his introduction meant Barcelona were willing to give up midfield control. It is no coincidence that Roma's only threatening period coincided with his time on the pitch.

Denis Suarez: N/A

Late substitute, but was nifty on the ball.

Andre Gomes: N/A