How Did Barcelona Beat Roma?

By Anna Duncan

On the 4th of April 2018, Barcelona played Roma in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The match was highly anticipated as both teams had a strong lineup and were expected to give each other tough competition.

However, Barcelona emerged victorious with a scoreline of 4-1. Let’s take a closer look at how Barcelona managed to beat Roma.

Barcelona’s Dominance in Possession

One of the primary reasons for Barcelona’s victory was their dominance in possession. They had a staggering 73% possession throughout the game, which allowed them to control the tempo of the game and create numerous opportunities. Roma struggled to keep up with Barcelona’s pace and intensity, which resulted in them conceding multiple goals.

Lionel Messi’s Brilliance

Another critical factor that played a significant role in Barcelona’s victory was Lionel Messi’s brilliance. Messi was exceptional throughout the game and scored two crucial goals that helped Barcelona secure the win. His dribbling skills and quick decision-making abilities caused problems for Roma’s defense, who found it challenging to contain him.

Barcelona’s High-Pressing Game

Barcelona also employed a high-pressing game, which put Roma under immense pressure from the start. This strategy helped Barcelona win back possession quickly and prevented Roma from building up their attacks effectively. As a result, Roma struggled to create clear-cut chances and were often forced to play long balls forward.

Roma’s Defensive Errors

However, it wasn’t just Barcelona’s dominance that led them to victory; Roma made several defensive errors that cost them dearly. The first goal scored by Daniele De Rossi was an own goal that came about due to miscommunication between him and his goalkeeper. Similarly, Kostas Manolas’ mistake led to an easy goal for Gerard Pique.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barcelona’s victory over Roma was a result of several factors, including their dominance in possession, Lionel Messi’s brilliance, high-pressing game, and Roma’s defensive errors. It was a complete team effort by Barcelona who played with great determination and skill throughout the match. With this win, Barcelona moved on to the semifinals of the Champions League, where they faced Liverpool, but that’s a story for another day.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • Barcelona dominated possession throughout the game.
  • Lionel Messi’s brilliance was a significant factor in Barcelona’s victory.
  • Barcelona employed a high-pressing game that put Roma under pressure.
  • Roma made several defensive errors that cost them dearly.