Barcelona vs Liverpool player ratings: Magical Lionel Messi leads the way in Champions League semi-final tie

A player-by-player look at the two teams

Luis Suarez celebrates putting Liverpool ahead in the first half (Getty)

Barcelona placed one foot in the final of the Champions League after beating Liverpool 3-0 in tonight's first-leg semi-final tie.

Despite impressing for large stints of the match, Jurgen Klopp's men now return to Anfield empty-handed and with a mountain to climb.

It was Luis Suarez who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, timing his run to perfection to nudge Jordi Alba's well-placed cross past Allisson.

The second and third goals didn't come until the final 15 minutes of the match, with Lionel Messi striking twice in quick succession to hand Barcelona full control of this tie.

Liverpool enjoyed chances through James Milner and Mohamed Salah but were ultimately unable to find the back of the net.

So how did the two teams fare? See the gallery below for our player ratings.