Suarez ends drought to boost Barcelona but Messi fitness fears persist
The Uruguay striker scored his first Champions League goal this season in an ultimately routine win, although concerns remain over his fellow forward
It was a straightforward victory in the end for Barcelona. In what was something of a flat atmosphere at Camp Nou, the Blaugrana beat Roma 4-1 to take a significant step towards the Champions League semi-finals. But the result was much better than the scoreline suggests.
A bizarre Daniele De Rossi own goal gave Barca the lead in a somewhat subdued first half and even though Ernesto Valverde's men moved into a commanding lead after another own goal and a Gerard Pique effort from close range, this was a performance that owed more to effectiveness than excellence.
Indeed, when Edin Dzeko goal pulled a goal back late on, it did not even look like a great result. Luckily, Luis Suarez struck to make it 4-1 after that and the Catalans should have few problems in the return match in Rome next week.
Five of Barca's goals in the Champions League this season have been own goals, but Suarez has had to wait patiently for his first in the competition. The Uruguayan has been scoring freely in La Liga, but had not netted in Europe since the famous 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou last term.
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