|
BARCELONA, May 1-- Leo Messi and Luis Suarez gave FC Barcelona a foot and a half in the Champions League final with a 3-0 win at home to Liverpool in the first leg of their semifinal on Wednesday night. The result was harsh on Liverpool that made Barca suffer more than any other team in the Camp Nou Stadium this season, but a combination of Messi's brilliance and Liverpool failing to take their chances leaves the English side needing a miracle in next week's return leg in Anfield. Both coaches had surprises in their starting 11 with Arturo Vidal in the Barca team ahead or Arthur Melo, while Georginio Wijnaldum played in an advanced role for Liverpool after Roberto Firminho wasn't judged fit enough to start. The game got off to a frantic start with Liverpool looking to pressure high up the pitch and put pressure on Barca, who were on the back foot and struggling to string passes together. Sadio Mane and Ivan Rakitic had half chances for either team, before Jordi Alba got involved and swung in a low ball to Leo Messi, which was blocked by a defender. Liverpool suffered a setback in the 21st minute when Nabi Keita was forced off with a groin strain following a challenge from behind from Rakitic. Keita was replaced by Jordan Henderson, but in the reshuffle Liverpool lost a bit of shape and that allowed Alba the space to put in a low cross for Suarez to poke home from eight yards out on 26 minutes. Mohamed Salah was a constant problem for Barca with his pace, while Andy Robertson was getting forward well down the Liverpool left. | 
