Lionel Messi set up the opening goal with surgical precision but Luis Suarez stole the show for Barcelona - PLAYER RATINGS

By Adam Crafton for MailOnline

Published: 16:34 EST, 15 April 2015 | Updated: 14:05 EST, 18 April 2015

Barcelona scored three crucial away goals and all but ended the tie after easing to a 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.

Goals from Neymar and a double from Luis Suarez, made sure the La Liga leaders travel back to Spain delighted with the result and their performance. 

Here Sportsmail rates the players in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. 

 
Luis Suarez was the star man for Barcelona and scored a brilliant second-half double to put them in control

Luis Suarez was the star man for Barcelona and scored a brilliant second-half double to put them in control

Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)

Salvatore Sirigu - 6 - Commanding in the air with a disjointed defence in front of him but could do nothing to stop Neymar's cool finish.

Gregory Van der Wiel - 5.5 - Unlikely to have started had Thiago Silva and David Luiz been fit to play the full game and was struggled to cope with Neymar's trickery, speed and movement.

Marquinhos - 6.5 - Another bold performance from the Brazilian. Difficult to believe he is only 20 years old. Barcelona's front three still had their moments but Marquinhos was generally in control.

Thiago Silva - 5.5 - Injured early on and replaced by his compatriot David Luiz. PSG need their skipper back if they are to turn this around in the Camp Nou.

PSG (left) missed their skipper, who was forced off, and will be praying he can play at the Nou Camp

PSG (left) missed their skipper, who was forced off, and will be praying he can play at the Nou Camp

Maxwell - 6 - The former Barcelona full-back will have been grateful for the suspension of Daniel Alves, allowing him a less stressful evening from a defensive point of view against the more conservative Martin Montoya. Good delivery going the other way.

Blaise Matuidi - 7 - Powerful and determined, he inherited the captain's armband when Silva went off injured and produced a relentless midfield performance. You can understand why Manchester United scouted him so closely last season.

Yohan Cabaye - 5 - A dreadful lunge on Iniesta summed up a difficult first half for the Frenchman. Lacks the ball quality of Marco Verratti and the defensive acumen of Thiago Motta, who were sorely missed in the midfield. Booked.

Former Newcastle United star Yohan Cabaye (left) struggled and looked out of his depth at times

Former Newcastle United star Yohan Cabaye (left) struggled and looked out of his depth at times

Adrien Rabiot - 6 - A courageous performance from the youngster. Good energy and didn't shy away from the challenge.

Ezequiel Lavezzi - 5.5 - Little impact from the winger. Moments of quality few and far between.

Edinson Cavani - 5.5 - So often leaves you wanting more in these pivotal games. Denied by a marvellous Mascherano challenge in the first half but lacked the conviction to really take on the opportunity.

Reported Manchester United target Edinson Cavani had no luck in front of goal and was wasteful

Reported Manchester United target Edinson Cavani had no luck in front of goal and was wasteful

Javier Pastore 6 - Brilliant opening very early on in the game but miskicked badly.

Subs

David Luiz (Silva, 21) - 5.5 - Was treated by a Russian doctor for his hamstring injury - recommended by Andre Villas Boas - in a bid to get back in time for the game. However, he didn't look fully fit and was exposed for Suarez's first goal.

David Luiz (32) had a torrid time after he replaced Silva and was nutmugged twice for Suarez's two goals

David Luiz (32) had a torrid time after he replaced Silva and was nutmugged twice for Suarez's two goals

Lucas (for Rabiot, 65) - 5 - Couldn't influence the game as Suarez strengthened his grip with second and third goals.

Bookings: Cabaye

Subs not used: Douchez, Camara, Bahebeck, Digne, Kimpembe

Manager: Laurent Blanc - 6 - Must have felt like he was playing with a player less with Verratti, Luiz and Ibrahimovic all unable to start. To lose captain Silva so early was a bitter blow, too,

 

Barcelona

Marc-Andre ter Stegen - 6 - Little chance with the consolation goal but one excellent stop to deny Cavani. Growing in stature.

Martin Montoya - 6 - Lacks the marauding energy of Daniel Alves but didn't put a foot wrong in assured showing.

Gerard Pique - 6.5 - Overcome the problems of earlier in the campaign and resembles a world-class centre back once again.

Javier Mascherano - 8 - Such a brilliant reader of the game. Several superb challenges and his transition from midfield to defence has been almost seamless. No wonder Roy Hodgson admires him so much.

Javier Mascherano proved how important he is to Barcelona with another impressive display at the back

Javier Mascherano proved how important he is to Barcelona with another impressive display at the back

Jordi Alba - 6.5 - Usual energetic self, offering menace in attack and robust defending.

Sergio Busquets - 7 - The pivot that holds this Barcelona midfield together. Precise on the ball and his movement without it is terrific.

Ivan Rakitic - 5.5 - Quiet night and not at his creative best. Still a way to go to demonstrate he can hold a place in this team in the long-term.

Andres Iniesta - 6 - A first touch that should be taught to every child with aspirations of making the grade in the game. Usual excellent movement and passing.

Luis Suarez - 8.5 - Quiet first half but came alive in scintillating fashion to decide the game and almost definitely the tie.

Suarez was in top form and embarrassed Luiz for his two goals, showing off his genius ability

Suarez was in top form and embarrassed Luiz for his two goals, showing off his genius ability

Lionel Messi - 6.5 - Sliced PSG apart with surgical precision to set up Neymar's opening goal.

Neymar - 7.5 - There had been suggestions Neymar is unhappy that his manager replaces him so regularly during games. An early goal, tucked away so clinically, is a good way to stop that happening.

Lionel Messi was instrumental in the opening goal for Neymar and was tidy throughout the clash

Lionel Messi was instrumental in the opening goal for Neymar and was tidy throughout the clash

Neymar opened the scoring with a neat finish and cause Van der Wiel a number of problems throughout

Neymar opened the scoring with a neat finish and cause Van der Wiel a number of problems throughout

Subs not used: Bravo, Pedro, Rafinha, Bartra

Bookings: Pique, Messi

Subs

Xavi (for Iniesta, 53) - 6 - Still the same midfield metronome. Didn't waste a pass.

Mathieu (for Rakitic, 74) - 5 - Might have done better to prevent the PSG consolation.

Adriano (for Montoya, 80) - 5.5 - Game was won but kept things ticking over.

Man of the Match: Luis Suarez 8.5

Manager: Luis Enrique - 7 - Has recovered from the ordeal of the first half of the season and his side are heading towards a triumphant end to the campaign. Fearsome front three could carry Enrique to European glory.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) - 7 - Didn't put a foot wrong and it may be that our leading official progresses some way further than our leading sides in this competition. 

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