When Lionel Messi, forward of FC Barcelona and fellow striker Luis Suárez, forward of FC Barcelona each netted two goals, the Catalan giants exploded for a 6‑1 victory over AS Roma at Camp Nou on 24 November 2015.
The match, officially part of UEFA Champions League Group ECamp Nou, secured Barcelona's top‑spot in the group and guaranteed them a home second‑leg in the round of 16.
Coach Luis Enrique Martínez García, manager of FC Barcelona, praised the fans and highlighted the squad’s hunger after the win.
Setting the stage: Barcelona’s recent form
Just days earlier, Barcelona had delivered a 4‑0 demolition of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu – a performance many pundits called "one of the most memorable in the modern era". That victory, combined with a 1‑1 draw between BATE Borisov and Bayer Leverkusen, meant the Catalans were already through to the knockout stage; the Roma win simply cemented their claim as group leaders.
Under Luis Enrique, who took the helm in May 2014, Barcelona tweaked a defensive vulnerability that had haunted them in the previous season. The result? An attacking trio – Messi, Suárez and Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (often dubbed "MSN") – that was firing on all cylinders.
Match details: How the goals unfolded
Barcelona drew first blood in the 9th minute when Suárez slotted home after a quick one‑two with Messi. The Argentine answered five minutes later, curling a low shot past Roma keeper ***. By halftime, the score was 2‑0 and the crowd at Camp Nou was chanting "Barça, Barça" in unison.
The second half saw Messi double his tally in the 55th minute, finishing a brilliant counter‑attack that started with a midfield pass from Gerard Píque, defender of FC Barcelona. Six minutes later, Brazilian defender Adriano Correia, defender of FC Barcelona got on the scoresheet with a header from a corner.
Roma’s only reply came in stoppage time when Edin Džko, forward of AS Roma slotted home his 91st‑minute goal after missing a penalty earlier. The late strike was a tiny consolation in a night that felt like a Barcelona showcase.
Reactions from the dugout
"I see the fans enjoying the team. I see the players really wanting to participate and I see the faces of those who can't participate and they really want to," Luis Enrique said in the post‑match interview, hinting at the emotional atmosphere inside Camp Nou.
On the opposite bench, Rudi García, manager of AS Roma, admitted his side’s defensive set‑up was "catastrophic". Brazilian right‑back Maicon Penna, defender of AS Roma later confessed they were "fortunate not to lose by a scoreline greater than 6‑1 against a rampant Barcelona".
Statistical snapshot
- Goals: Messi (2), Suárez (2), Píqe (1), Correia (1), Džko (1)
- Possession: Barcelona 62% – Roma 38%
- Shots on target: Barcelona 12 – Roma 3
- Group impact: Barcelona finish with 13 points, Roma with 5
- Historical record: Barcelona now lead the head‑to‑head 4‑1 in Champions League meetings
What this means for the season
Barcelona’s dominant performance not only secured the top spot in Group E but also signalled they are serious contenders for back‑to‑back European crowns – a feat no club has achieved since Real Madrid’s five‑in‑a‑row run (1956‑1960). Analysts from Spielverlagerung.com noted that the side’s “structural deficiencies have been ironed out” and that the MSN trio "now have a thorough understanding for one another on the football field".
Meanwhile, Roma’s Champions League record slipped to 29 losses in 77 matches, highlighting the gap between Italy’s Giallorossi and Europe’s elite. Their next league fixture sees them trying to claw back points in Serie A, while Barcelona prepares for a December away clash with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
Looking ahead
Barcelona will travel to the BayArena on 9 December 2015 for the final group game. A win there would see them finish the stage with a perfect 16 points – a rare achievement in modern Champions League formats. For Roma, the focus shifts back to domestic survival; manager Rudi García is expected to restructure the back line before the Serie A run‑in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 6‑1 win affect Barcelona’s chances in the knockout stage?
Finishing top of Group E gives Barcelona a favourable draw, typically pitting them against a runner‑up from another group. It also guarantees a home leg for the second round, allowing the Catalans to enjoy the atmosphere of Camp Nou when the pressure mounts.
What made Roma’s defence collapse against Barcelona?
Rudi García’s side opted for a high line that Barcelona’s swift wingers exploited. Coupled with a lack of cohesion among the back four, the Giallorossi were unable to contain the relentless movement of Messi and Suárez.
Who were the standout performers for Barcelona?
Messi and Suárez each scored twice, showcasing their lethal connection. Píqe’s goal and Correia’s header added variety, while the midfield’s control, particularly from Sergio Busquets, allowed the front three to operate freely.
What future challenges does Barcelona face in the Champions League?
Beyond the group stage, the knockout rounds pit Barcelona against seasoned opposition. Maintaining defensive solidity while keeping the MSN trio firing will be crucial, especially against teams with strong physical presses.
How has Roma’s overall European record been affected?
The loss brought Roma’s Champions League tally to 29 defeats in 77 matches, underscoring a persistent struggle to progress beyond the round of 16. Their away record now shows 17 losses in 39 trips.
Messi and Suárez were on fire 😎