UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

In-form Barcelona want to win group against Roma

Second in Group E, Roma visit a Barcelona side fresh from their thumping Clásico victory – ominously for the Giallorossi, Luis Enrique thinks his team "have played better".

Alessandro Florenzi: ROMA v Barcelona
  • Luis Enrique says Barcelona can play better than in the 4-0 victory at Real Madrid
  • Barcelona will advance as Group E winners with a draw
  • Roma will progress if they win and Leverkusen fail to beat BATE Borisov
  • Lionel Messi (knee) made comeback at Real Madrid on Saturday
  • Next games: Leverkusen v Barcelona, Roma v BATE (9 December)

Possible lineup
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Alves, Piqué, Vermaelen, Alba; Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Iniesta; Messi, Suárez, Neymar.
Out: Douglas (wrist), Rafinha (knee), Mascherano (dead leg)

Roma: Szczęsny; Maicon, Rüdiger, Manolas, Digne; De Rossi; Florenzi, Nainggolan, Pjanić, Falqué; Džeko.
Out: Gervinho (thigh), Salah (ankle), Totti (thigh)
Doubtful: De Rossi (thigh)

Highlights: Roma 1-1 Barcelona

Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach
We see this match as an opportunity to finish first in the group. I believe we have played better [than on Saturday] although 4-0 against Real Madrid attracts more attention. I can't compare it to the 6-2 victory [at the Santiago Bernabéu in May 2009]. I expect a difficult match, because they need to get a result, so the game will be very open. It is good to see Messi back on the pitch – we all enjoy watching him train and play.

Rudi Garcia, Roma coach
Football is a beautiful game and it is not always the best team who wins – I don't believe any team is invincible. If we don't believe we are worthy of playing here, we are going to lose. We have to take our chances and work hard. We know Barcelona will have the ball most of the time, but we have to make the best of the opportunities we get. We cannot defend throughout the entire game, because then we will lose.

Luis Suárez was a thorn in Madrid's side on Saturday
Luis Suárez was a thorn in Madrid's side on Saturday©Getty Images

Weekend results
Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona (Suárez 11 74, Neymar 39, Iniesta 53)
Luis Suárez and Neymar continued their prolific form – they have scored 20 of Barcelona's last 21 Liga goals. The icing on the cake for the Blaugrana was the return from injury of Messi, who came off the bench before the hour for his first appearance in two months.

Bologna 2-2 Roma (Masina 14, Destro 87pen; Pjanić 52pen, Džeko 72pen)
Former Roma striker Matteo Destro's late penalty, the third spot kick of the match, prevented the Giallorossi going top of Serie A on Saturday. Garcia's side have kept one clean sheet in their last 14 games.

Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Barcelona: WWWWDW
Roma: DWWLWW

©UEFA.com

Reporter's view: Graham Hunter
It is arguable Barcelona haven't played as well as they did against Real Madrid at the weekend since either last June's UEFA Champions League final or perhaps the semi-final first leg against Bayern München. A little ominous for Roma. Luis Enrique won't hold any sentiment for his ex-club, however much he enjoyed his time in charge there, and has hinted that Messi will start because all he needs now "are match minutes". Winning the game, and the group, will be the holders' minimum target. 

Did you know
• Roma are seeking a first UEFA Champions League away victory since edging Basel 3-2 in November 2010. Find out more in our extensive match background.