Firmino experiment fails
Trust Jurgen Klopp to throw the kind of curveball that made people stop talking about the missing Roberto Firmino. At least for a little while.
Firmino's potential absence had been much-debated during the build-up as a plethora of options were considered by Liverpool supporters.
But when the teamsheet dropped the only conversation was just how the Reds were going to line up with a starting XI that, ostensibly, contained a goalkeeper, three centre-backs, a left-back, four central midfielders and two wingers.
Few would have guessed the answer, Gini Wijnaldum operating in the Firmino role up top, albeit having started briefly at the tip of a midfield diamond.
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For the first 10 minutes it appeared a masterstroke from Klopp as Liverpool took the game to Barcelona.
However, the longer the half progressed, the more it became obvious the Reds were missing the focal point offered by Firmino, not least with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah having such joy down their respective flanks.
The Liverpool fans perched high up inside Camp Nou sang Firmino's song during the half-time break, almost a plea for his introduction.
But while Wijnaldum improved, it wasn't until the game was sliding away that Klopp introduced the Brazilian, too little too late despite the forward having a shot cleared off the line.
Klopp's experiment was a mirror of Liverpool's performance. It promised much for so long, but ultimately delivered little.
Defending the defence
Conceding three goals for only the second time this season smacks of a defence that lost its way at Camp Nou.
But that wasn't quite the reality for Liverpool on an evening when the brilliance of Lionel Messi warped everything around him.
Joel Matip, as has been the case for much of the calendar year, was excellent, while Andy Robertson's relentless running in both directions down the left flank caught the eye.
If anything, it was Virgil van Dijk, the newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year, who appeared the more affected by Barcelona's attacking might, his famed composure at times missing.
Klopp made a big call at right-back by benching Trent Alexander-Arnold and handing Joe Gomez his first start since suffering a fractured leg in early December.
For an hour, it seemed a sound choice. But in that difficult closing third, Gomez's lack of match practice and preference of playing at centre-back became all too evident.
There was the strange sight towards the end of Alisson Becker edging forward when Liverpool forced an injury-time corner in search of an away goal, only for Robertson to usher him back.
Ultimately, Liverpool were indebted to the goalkeeper for some late saves to ensure they have at least a glimmer of hope next Tuesday at Anfield.
Suarez gotta Suarez – and Liverpool can't mope
Lionel Messi will dominate the headlines. But, in retrospect, it should have been obvious Liverpool's evening of woe would be sparked by one man in particular.
Luis Suarez performed such heroics during his time at Liverpool that he remains an idol to the Kop, arguably the most exciting player to feature for the club in the Premier League era.
And every single reason Suarez was adored by the Anfield masses was on show here – only in opposition.
This was the Uruguayan at his snarling, snarky best, the wind-up merchant par excellence, in the faces of Liverpool's defenders throughout and even in the ear of referee Bjorn Kuipers as the teams came out for the start of the second half.
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If it was slightly surprising to see Barcelona moaning their way through the first leg, it shouldn't have been, such is their desire to win this trophy. You could almost smell the desperation.
The same can be said for Liverpool in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
That remains a possibility. And with Newcastle United up next on Saturday night, there can be no sulking after this loss, although Klopp faces a serious test of his motivational powers to rouse his devastated players.
The 4,620 Liverpool fans inside Camp Nou, perched high in the fourth tier behind perspex screens and netting, sang long after the final whistle.
They still believe. And having come this far, it would be daft for Liverpool to stop now.
