Can Liverpool do a Roma?

Klopp said Camp Nou was no temple. It took no time to prove him wrong. As 100,000 devotees bow down to their god Lionel Messi in the temple of Camp Nou. Argentine star inspired Barcelona in a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of Champions League.

The result won’t tell you the actual picture of the game. Liverpool dominated Barcelona during the 90 mins but those special moments of Barca made the difference. How can one describe Messi? The man, the myth, the legend.

Liverpool started exceptionally well. To the high press of Liverpool attack, Barcelona’s defence dismantled. Liverpool couldn’t make most of it. Barca didn’t sit back and defend, they were lethal in counter attack. A 26th min goal by Suarez is result of it. Alba’s assist needed a silky touch to push it into the net and Suarez made no mistake. Liverpool tried their best to find the host’s net but couldn’t succeed. Pique and Lenglet were solid at the back. Pique is having the form of his life. Mané troubled the right flank but couldn’t go past Ter Stegen. Liverpool didn’t trouble Ter stegen much in the first half. Keïta’s injury decreased the possession and pace of the visitors. Salah was quiet In the first half.

Liverpool had a glittery start to second half. Ter stegen had to draw 3 saves within the span of 10 min. Ernesto Valverde acted promptly in the second half to try to block the flying winger. Off came Philippe Coutinho who had a decent game and on came Nélson Semedo. Doubling up on the right flank with Sergi Roberto he pushed forward into midfield but still focused on defending against Mané and closed Mané. It freed Arturo Vidal to come over to Barcelona’s left flank and did a similar job on Salah, helping Jordi Alba who had to close down the Egyptian.
Then we got to witness the magic of the little magician. Who scored two goals in the second half threating the Liverpool’s survival in Champions League. Allison commited early to the directionless shot of Suarez which hit the post. Messi collected the rebound and put into the post comfortably as Premier League best player has the best view. Man, How to describe Messi’s free-kick? What a way to celebrate 600th goal. He bent it into the right corner form a 27 yard’s distance. An absolute Stunner.
Firmino and Origi sub in didn’t make any difference. Liverpool had their chances but couldn’t cash any of it. Salah missed a sitter, that sums up Liverpool’s whole game. Dembélé missed a golden opportunity in the last min to close down Liverpool at Camp Nou itself. Ernesto Valverde’s changes had a huge impact on the game. Barcelona has their eyes on a historic treble.

Liverpool have a hurricane task ahead of them. It’s not going to be a cake walk to score 3 goals against the likes of Pique, Lenglet and Ter stegen. Anfield’s environment and Firmino’s inclusion will definitely boost Liverpool’s confidence. Both sides have a huge game ahead at Anfield.