At the end, it was Liverpool that progressed through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Manchester City in Tuesday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.
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The home side nearly scored their second of the night in the 14th minute when Schick met a whipped corner from the right, but the forward’s header just dropped wide of the far post. He was impotent in the face of Roma’s aggressive and determined play, failing to make any key passes or link with the forwards.
It was 1-0 to Roma after just eight minutes into the match as Barcelona were stunned by the early strike from the rejuvenated Bosnia who recorded his third goal in three consecutive Champions League matches.
De Rossi then headed just wide of the Barcelona post in the 69th minute as the intense pressure continued.
Roma duo return from injury: Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is still not fully fit as he comes back after breaking his toe against Chelsea last month with Philippe Coutinho not eligible to play and Lucas Digne injured.
The Italians continued to push for a second goal as the first half went on, with the likes of Dzeko and Schick squandering chances after 25 minutes.
It was 4-4 on aggregate and Roma had the advantage on away goals.
And they’ll arguably be even more cross at the fact they lost 2-0 at the weekend to Fiorentina. “With Ter Stegen stranded, he pokes home the opener and we have ourselves a ball-game!” Daniele De Rossi took charge of the spot kick and converted.
In fact, Barcelona have benefited from five own goals this CL season, the most ever in a Champions League season.
“The team is well physically but we’ve played a lot of matches”.
Barcelona: Ter Stegem 6, Semedo 5, Pique 4, Umtiti 5, Jordi Alba 6, Sergi Roberto 5, Busquetz 5, Rakitic 4, Iniesta 4, Suarez 3, Messi 4.
Kostas Manolas’s own goal was the 13th that Barcelona have benefited from in the Champions League; only Real Madrid (15) have benefited from more.
Roma were definitely the better side through-out the first half and kept Barcelona under pressure.
However, as Roma went just 1-0 up at half-time it looked like Barcelona were still heading to the semifinals.
Edin Dzeko (Roma) There were plenty of strong candidates – Fazio and Manolas were great, Florenzi and Strootman too. Messi is 8/15 to score but bizarrely failed to get any in that 4-1 first leg.
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All City’s breathless efforts were undone when Liverpool got the crucial away goal – Sadio Mane burst into the box, City keeper Ederson dived at his feet but the ball spilled out to Salah who took his time before coolly converting.
