FC Barcelona 3 Hertha Berlin 1

FC Barcelona were slightly flattered by a 3-1 scoreline in their win at the Camp Nou over Hertha Berlin but the victory helped them win Group A of the Champions League>

Barca clinched a place in the quarter finals last week but are now certain of a favourable seeding the draw for the last eight next week with the Camp Nou hosting the second leg of the quarter final in what could prove crucial home advantage.

Hertha Berlin took an early lead after centre back Winston Bogarde failed to mark Alex Alves who buried a header from a driven cross.

The Bundesliga side led for only three minutes and Barca had a little luck to get the goal. Xavi Hernandez hit a shot that was going wide but a deflection took it beyond Gabor Kiraly and into the net.

Kiraly defied Rivaldo and Luis Figo with great reflex saves as the Barca stars hit powerful drives into the top corner.

The home team got in front in the 49th minute after Gabri Garcia went on a mazy run that saw him cut inside and fired a low drive into the target.

Jari Litmanen saw a low shot blocked in the 82nd minute and Patrick Kluivert completed the scoring by turning on the loose ball and hitting it low into the corner.