A scintillating performance at the Stadio Olympico in Rome by AS Roma saw the mammoth fans transcending to a height of uncontrollable jubilation.
A sensational second-leg comeback by Roma to defeat favourites Barcelona 3-0 after a 4-1 loss a week earlier in Spain courtesy of the away goal rule brought shocked to many soccer followers.
Roma forward Edin Dzeko struck early in the game after showing power and strength to go pass Barcelona defender Umtiti to give the home side the lead.
Daniele de Rossi added a second from the penalty spot bringing the hope of greater possibility to defeat the Catalan giants.
The five time European Cup champions Barca were punished for an unbelievable poor showing, offering a piece of the Barcelona flair in attack and crumbling at the rear went the unrelenting and energetic Romans came attacking.
Barcelona’s best chance of the night came from Messi but his thumping drive went into the hands of Roma goalkeeper Alisson and his free-kicks failed to find the back of the net.
The last ten minutes of the game the Romans more deadly as they launched forward and it paid off in the 82nd minute when Cengiz whipped in a cross from the right towards the goal which Greece defender Manolas rose high above to quickly nod it into the net amid wild jubilation in the arena.
Roma striker Edin Dzeko told BT Sport: “It is difficult to believe but we did it and did it in style.
“Nobody believed in us before the game – they gave us a 5% chance of winning – but against such a team like Barcelona, you expect that after losing the first game 4-1.
“We had to be concentrated so as not to concede a goal. We recall the first game where they scored four goals from three shots on target as we scored two own goals.
“We believed even more after the first goal – it pushed us and in the end I am so proud.
“The win is difficult to describe. We lost against Fiorentina in the league three days ago but we played an amazing game today and had even more chances to score.
“It was great teamwork from the first to the last minute. It is the first time in history to knock out Barcelona 3-0 and that makes it even more special.
“We will enjoy the semi-finals; I do not fear anyone. They are all top teams. I am just happy to see my team in the draw.”
It has taken Roma 34 years to get to this stage of the Uefa Champions League. The last time they did, they lost to Liverpool on penalties in the final.
In Wednesday’s remaining quarter final game, defending champions Real Madrid are 3-0 ahead as they host Juventus in Spain while Bayern Munich will play against Sevilla after a 2-1 (aggregate).