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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.