UEFA Champions League - Barcelona 5-1 Lyon - Match Report
Miraculous Messi does it again as Barca thrash Lyon 5-1 to book place in quarter-finals
Barcelona booked a Champions League quarter-final place with a 5-1 home win against Lyon secured thanks to Lionel Messi's inspirational performance, triumphing on aggregate by the same scoreline.
After last month's goalless first leg, Messi opened the scoring at Camp Nou from the penalty spot, with Philippe Coutinho adding a second prior to half-time in Wednesday's tie.
Although Lucas Tousart sparked hope of a second-half Lyon fightback, Barca held their nerve and Messi struck again before Gerard Pique and substitute Ousmane Dembele wrapped up the scoring to seal a place in the last eight, where a bigger test likely awaits.
Barca have fallen at the quarter-final stage in each of the past three seasons since they last lifted the trophy in 2014-15, but with giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain already eliminated, Ernesto Valverde's side now await Friday's draw with interest.
Anthony Lopes made a brilliant early save to deny Messi but Barca's captain beat him from 12 yards in the 17th minute.
Jason Denayer clumsily tripped Luis Suarez in the box and Messi, who had nine attempts but only one on target in the first leg, beat Lopes with a brilliant Panenka.
Moussa Dembele's drive deflected narrowly wide but Barca soon extended their lead.
Arthur's superb pass found Suarez and he jinked easily through the Lyon defence to square for Coutinho to tap in before a tearful Lopes had to make way due to a head injury.
Marcal cleared Messi's delicate chip off the line after the restart but Lyon gave themselves hope by grabbing a goal back in the 58th minute.
After a spell of head tennis in the Barca box, Tousart controlled the ball and sent a low volley flying past Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with the goal standing after a lengthy VAR review.
Lyon grew in confidence but they were caught out at the back with 12 minutes to go, Messi dazzling defenders before squeezing a low shot past Mathieu Gorgelin.
And the substitute goalkeeper was then beaten again twice as Barca picked Lyon off on the break, Messi sensationally setting up Pique and Dembele for further goals.
Goals/Highlights!
Goal! Dembele finds the bottom corner! 5-1 Barca!
Goal! Pique gets in on the act! Barca make it 4-1 in a matter of minutes! What an assist by Messi!
Goal! Who else but Leo Messi! 3-1 Game over!
Goal! Lucas Tousart chests the ball and fires into the back of the net! Lyon pull one back! Game on!
Chance! It could have 3-0! Luis Suarez sneaks a shot just wide!
Goal! Barca are in cruise control! A deft pass from Luis Suarez and Phillipe Coutinho has a simple tap in!
Goal! Penalty! Luis Suarez takes a tumble in the box, Leo Messi steps up, Leo Messi scores! It's just what he does!
Chance! Tanguy Ndombele takes aim from distance!
Peep! We are underway in Barcelona!
Live Updates
Preamble
Some fan violence outside the stadium?! Jamie Easton has more...
The French side has brought 5,000 fans to Barcelona. They gave their heroes a warm welcome as they walked out to the pitch earlier on!
Now for Lyon! Five changes from the side at the weekend! Nabil Fekir is back after serving his suspension in the first leg, former Manchester United man Memphis Depay will also start in attack. Can Lyon spring a surprise?
Team news time! First up Barcelona! Philippe Coutinho starts, Ivan Rakatic returns to the team after missing out at the weekend. Leo Messi partners Luis Suarez in what looks like a 4-4-2 formation!
So an interesting subplot in the build-up to the game, apparently some Lyon ultra's are planning some hijinks with their Barcelona counterparts. Jamie Easton has more...
Before we get underway tonight (that's at 23:00 Mecca FYI) a quick reminder for the quarter-final draw, which will be shown LIVE tomorrow on beIN SPORTS! Yay!
So here we go! Champions League nights seem to be pretty special at the Nou Camp! Can Barca get the result they need tonight?
Good evening! Welcome to the Live Coverage of Barcelona Vs Lyon in the Champions League. Will the Catalans make it to a twelfth (yes twelfth) consecutive Champions League quarter-final. Or will Lyon be inspired by the antics of Ajax last weekend and dump out their superior Spanish opponent's thanks to a shock away win? Join me for all the latest team news, Build up and goals as they go in from the big game
