Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were the goalscoring heroes as Barcelona took a firm grip of their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool by winning the first leg 3-0 at the Camp Nou.

But overall this was more of a defensive performance from Barca than an attacking whirlwind, with several men at the back playing key roles.

Find out more in our Liverpool player ratings.

STARTING XI (4-3-3)

Alisson 6. Had few saves to make and had little chance with the three goals, grasping at thin air for Messi’s free-kick.

Gomez 6. Picked for his first start of 2019 and did a solid job defensively, without offering much going forward.

Matip 6. Generally strong, including a goal-saving challenge on Suarez, but could have done better for the second and third goals.

Van Dijk 5. Less than his usual imposing self at the back, shares blame for first two goals.

Robertson 8. Progressive in possession, offering great support to Mane down the left. Great early block to deny Messi.

Milner 7. Offered mobility and grit, and twice came close with including one great chance he should have converted.

Fabinho 6. Kept things ticking over but sometimes struggled to contain Messi’s dribbling from his deep midfield role.

Keita 6. Did plenty of fetching and carrying in midfield, before seeing his evening ended early by injury after 20 minutes.

Salah 6. Gave a regular supply of dangerous bursts, nearly equalising with a low strike, but sent a golden late chance against the post.

Wijnaldum 5. Surprisingly lined up as a false nine forward. Linked play well at times but offered little threat in the middle.

Mane 6. Always looked a threat cutting inside from the left but sent a very good chance late too high in the first half.

SUBS

Henderson 7. Showed excellent passing off the bench, creating his team’s best chance with a great cross to Mane.

Firmino 5. A late entrant after Barca’s second goal, struggled to get into the game as Barca romped home.

Origi 5. Last roll of the dice from Klopp for the final five minutes, had the ball a few times down the left but little impact.