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Barcelona obliterates Roma to secure 1st place in Group E

Reuters

Barcelona claimed another victim in the Champions League on Tuesday, scoring six goals against Roma to finish first in Group E with an immaculate 6-1 victory.

Lionel Messi had two goals and set up another in his first start since Sept. 26, while Luis Suarez also collected a brace.

Even defenders Gerard Pique and Adriano registered tallies - such was the dominance on display at Camp Nou.

The passing was simply breathtaking: Barcelona completed 636 passes to Roma's 230.

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It was tiki-taka to the maximum. The ball bounced between Barcelona players like it was predestined, the one-twos happening in perfect sync.

"We played a perfect game, very complete, but there were spaces in the first half," Suarez said after the match. "Leo, Neymar and I are happy for the side and happy to play for the side. Messi is the best in the world and I'm happy for him, his goals and the fact he was able to play a full game on his return."

Neymar didn't get on the scoresheet, but he launched the attacks that sparked each of the goals. He moved all over the pitch, playing passes from withdrawn positions, from the right and left flank, and even had the audacity to drift into the middle.

He missed a penalty as well - it was one of six saves by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who played well despite the drubbing - but Adriano was there to wallop the rebound high up into the netting.

Related: VIDEO - Suarez adds to hot streak with perfect volley vs. Roma

Roma earned a small souvenir when Edin Dzeko nodded in a header moments before the final whistle. It didn't matter.

The Italians have won just twice in the 11 Champions League matches under manager Rudi Garcia, conceding 30 goals in the process.

"We tried to play our football but tonight we didn't manage to do anything," said Roma defender Maicon. "We were lucky to lose only 6-1 actually."

Somehow, the Giallorossi are still in second in the group. A win against BATE Borisiov at home on Dec. 9 would seal a spot in the knockout round.

Barcelona had qualified prior to kick-off thanks to a 1-1 draw between BATE and Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the day.

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