Barcelona have confirmed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League by cruising to an emphatic 6-1 win over Roma at Camp Nou this evening.
The European champions took control from the start and Lionel Messi saw an early effort turned behind by Wojciech Szczesny, before Neymar had a goal ruled out after turning the ball in from close range.
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Messi soon had another chance to score after being played through on goal by Sergio Busquets, but he could only place his effort wide of the post.
Despite Barcelona's dominance, it was Roma who almost took the lead when Edin Dzeko was picked out unmarked from a corner before heading the ball over the bar.
The visitors were soon made to pay for that missed chance as Dani Alves raced onto a threaded pass from Messi, before sliding the ball to the back post where Luis Suarez was on hand to give Barcelona the lead.
Suarez would turn provider three minutes later as his flick over the defence found Messi, who kept his composure to lift the ball over Szczesny and into the corner to double the home side's tally for the evening.
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The hosts remained in firm control and with a minute left to play in the first half they managed a third goal as Suarez collected a loose clearance inside the box, before volleying a powerful drive beyond the keeper and into the far corner.
Barcelona showed no signs of easing up as the second half began, and they extended their lead further when Gerard Pique turned in a low cross from Messi.
Roma had no answer for the attacking power of their opponents and they soon found themselves five goals behind as Messi slotted in at the second attempt, after his initial effort was kept out by Szczesny.
The Italians then gave away a spot kick when Neymar was brought down by Salih Ucan, and despite the Brazilian seeing his penalty saved by the keeper, Adriano was quickly in to fire the rebound into the top corner.
In stoppage time Roma managed to pull a goal back when Dzeko headed in from Lucas Digne's cross, but it came too late to make an impact as Barcelona confirmed top spot in Group E with a game to spare.
Alex Meyers
