Second group stage (Group B ) - 26/02/2002
Olimpico di Roma | 69.869 Spectators
Referee: Kim Milton Nielsen

Goals : Emerson 61',Montella 74',Tommasi 90+2'

In a game which looked for a long time like it might be decided by a single defensive mistake, it turned out to be a piece of good fortune that changed the direction of the tie as Roma's 61st-minute opening goal took a rather strange route past Barcelona goalkeeper José Reina.

Francesco Totti had gathered the ball near the by-line and passed it back for on-rushing defender Vincent Candela. The Frenchman's fierce low shot was heading wide until it clattered into Emerson da Rosa's legs and ricocheted across the unfortunate goalkeeper and into the net.

Up until then, there had been little to choose between the two teams. The first half was particularly low on goalmouth action as both sides attempted to size each other up. Despite Roma starting the game with three strikers - Totti, Gabriel Batistuta and Marco Delvecchio - the visitors had the better of the few chances on offer.

Rivaldo forced Francesco Antonioli into a couple of reasonable saves with long-range shots in the first-half, and it was not until moments before the half-time whistle that the hosts even had a worthy attempt on goal when Candela put the ball narrowly wide from distance.

However, the introduction of Vincenzo Montella for Delvecchio proved to be an inspired decision by coach Fabio Capello as Roma immediately began to show some attacking purpose. The substitute's sharp passing and boundless energy brought new life to his team-mates.

After that, there was no way back for Barcelona. Forced to field a third striker, they found themselves outnumbered at the back as Roma were allowed to play their natural, patient, counterattacking game. While the visitors pushed forward, Roma's canny defence never allowed Rivaldo and Patrick Kluivert room to play, and more goals for the home side always looked likely.