Football: Liverpool and Barcelona get big wins in Champions League

Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Manchester City. Photo / AP Photo

Liverpool and Barcelona are eyeing the last four of the Champions League following big wins in the first leg of their quarter-final ties.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool got their 3-0 win off to a dream start against runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City, with Mohamed Salah opening the scoring after just 12 minutes.

The roof came off Anfield again in the 20th minute as Liverpool doubled their lead.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who netted in the Reds' home Premier League win over City earlier this year, rifled in an effort from the edge of the box.

Sadio Mane added a third on the half-hour mark with the only blight for Liverpool an injury scare for Salah. The Egyptian left the field in the second term but it is not believed to be serious.

Barcelona put one foot in the semi-finals with a 4-1 victory over Roma at the Nou Camp.

The Spanish side went ahead in the 39th minute when Daniele De Rossi turned Andres Iniesta's pass into his own net.

Barcelona's Gerard Pique celebrates after scoring their third goal against Roma. Photo / AP Photo

Barca moved further ahead with two strikes in as many minutes early in the second half, Gerard Pique netting from close range after Kostas Manolas' own goal.

Roma grabbed a lifeline in the 80th minute as Edin Dzeko produced a tidy finish, but Luis Suarez netted his first Champions League goal of the season shortly afterwards.

Liverpool were forced to apologise to City after bottles were thrown at their team bus as they arrived at Anfield.

Reds fans had organised a "coach welcome" for their Premier League rivals and their own team, lining a side street where the team buses were known to be arriving at the ground.

"We apologise unreservedly to Pep Guardiola, his players, staff and officials caught up in the incident," Liverpool said in a statement.

"The behaviour of a number of individuals was completely unacceptable and the club will cooperate fully with the authorities to identify those responsible."

Fans let off red flares and sang their club's songs before the City coach arrived and beer cans were thrown at the bus. At least one bottle was thrown and smashed on the side of the bus but did not break any of its windows.

-AAP