[ad_pod ]Liverpool crashed and burned in Catalonia on Wednesday night despite putting in a decent display at the Nou Camp.To say Barcelona's 3-0 victory flattered the hosts is a resounding understatement, but Jurgen Klopp's face told the whole story when the third goal went in.The gulf in class between mere humans and the extraterrestrial Lionel Messi was underlined with Barcelona donning a 2-0 lead, as the Argentine stepped up to whip a deliciously placed free-kick into the top corner of Alisson's goal.In response to the exquisite strike, Gary Lineker hit the nail on the head with his assessment.

If ever there was a time when Liverpool fans could appreciate Lineker's sentiments, it was immediately in the aftermath of his second and potentially tie-clinching goal.

The last time Messi faced Liverpool was in 2007, when he failed to score or assist in a two-legged tie which the Reds eventually won on away goals.

'The little genius defies logic' was a statement which certainly didn't apply back then but, after years of avoiding the magician on the European stage, the otherworldly lexicon field which he commands across the football media has never been more pertinent to Liverpool fans.

They saw his logic-defying genius in all its glory last night, and it may well prove to be the difference between the two sides across the two legs.