Champions League: Barca shatter Liverpool dreams

Liverpool 1 Barcelona 3

Liverpool saw their Champions League dreams shattered as they wasted a lead given to them by a trademark Michael Owen goal.

Classy Barcelona turned on the style after Owen’s 18th goal in 18 games for club and country.

Patrick Kluivert cancelled out the advantage and the Spanish giants won with goals from substitutes Fabio Rochemback and Marc Overmars.

Barcelona's real quality showed as they controlled the game, making Liverpool run and run.

Rivaldo, floating from attack to midfield, was outstanding and Kluivert a constant and willing ally.

Liverpool’s last throw of the dice was Jari Litmanen, on against his former club, for Smicer with 11 minutes left.

But Barcelona kept the ball with flowing arrogance, and Liverpool were barely able to get possession of the ball.

Five minutes from the end Barcelona struck again, this time with a goal which appeared to be offside.

Hernandez Xavi’s ball sent Overmars away.

He seemed to be two yards offside but kept his cool amid the fury of the crowd to round Dudek and slide home the third goal.

Kluivert was replaced by Michael Reiziger with two minutes left.