Subedited by Sophie Munro
An inspiring display from Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez fires Barcelona to three wins from three in Group H.
Barcelona slowly took control after an even opening 15 minutes and should have taken the lead when
Fermin Lopez was denied by Dmytro Riznyk.
Barca took the lead through Ferran Torres who smashed the ball into the net following a Fermin
Lopez effort which came off the post. After a swift VAR review the goal was awarded.
Barca grew in confidence from the opener and the second quickly followed when Lopez unleashed a rocket which flew past Rizynk to double Barca`s lead.
Minutes later it so nearly could have been three, as Stepanenko provided a last-minute block to
prevent Torres after Shakhtar lost possession.
Early into the second half Barcelona settled into a rhythm, dominating possession.
Barca had the ball in the back of the net but Torres` dinked finish was ruled out for offside.
Against the run of play Shakhtar pulled one back with their first shot on target, Heorhii Sudakov made
a superb run in behind the Barca defence and smashed the visitors back into the
contest.
Barca thought they had increased their lead but for Lopez`s header to be ruled out for offside.
The last 25 minutes saw Shakhtar push for an equaliser with Taras Stepanenko going close to putting Shakhtar level.
Barca held on leaving them top of the group and almost guaranteed to qualify, Shakhtar now with three points from a possible nine face a battle to go through.
