UEFA Champions League - Lyon 0 Barcelona 0 - Match Report
Barca left frustrated following 0-0 stalemate in Lyon
Mitch Freeley
Barcelona slumped to a fourth draw in five matches across all competitions as they were held to a 0-0 stalemate away to Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
Ernesto Valverde's men were far from their intense best and were particularly wasteful in front of goal, as Lionel Messi struggled to produce the kind of match-winning display many have come to expect every time he takes to the pitch.
Barca generally controlled the entertaining first half and created some promising opportunities, but were it not for two excellent early saves from Marc-Andre ter Stegen they could have found themselves trailing.
The second half was lacking in intensity, as opportunities became more infrequent and Barca had to be content with returning to Camp Nou for the second leg on March 13 without an away goal.
Lyon were the quicker out of the blocks and went close twice inside 10 minutes, as Ter Stegen got down to keep Houssem Aouar's effort out of his bottom-left corner, before then brilliantly tipping a 25-yard Martin Terrier strike onto the crossbar.
But Barca did craft several openings of their own – Messi spurning arguably their best in the 17th minute when blazing over from 12 yards after Jordi Alba's cut-back.
Lyon were then spared on the stroke of half-time, as Jason Denayer crucially deflected Sergio Busquets' goal-bound effort just wide.
The hosts started the second half well and went agonisingly close when Memphis Depay's first-time 20-yard strike early on flew just wide the left-hand post.
But that was a rare Lyon highlight in the second period as Barca dominated – goalkeeper Anthony Lopes producing a string of fine saves to thwart Luis Suarez twice and Busquets' long-range attempt all in the final 20 minutes, securing himself a deserved clean sheet.
Goals/Highlights
Chance! Sergie Busquets is denied by a strong save by Anthony Lopes!
Chance! Luis Suarez fizzes a shot just wide!
Chance! Martin Terrier smashes a shot from distance, what a save from ter Stagen!
We are underway in Lyon!
Live Updates
Preamble
Now for Barca, as expected - Luis Suarez & Ivan Rakatic return to the side as does Sergi Busquets. Osmane Dembele impressed at the weekend, and keeps his place in attack!
🔵🔴 Barça XI #OLBarça pic.twitter.com/MeUNSkhT96 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 19, 2019
Team news is in! First up Lyon! No Nabil Fekir in the side, the French playmaker is suspended. Watch out for Memphis Depay on the counter!
Le XI lyonnais pour #OLFCB 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/JaBqgNYGXl — Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) February 19, 2019
It's a massive night of Champions League football, and as ever, we have got your back here on beIN SPORT!
⚽ A huge night in the #UCL!@LFC v @FCBayernEN 📺 HD11@OL_English v @FCBarcelona 📺 HD12#beINUCL #LIVFCB #OLBarca pic.twitter.com/XhANtfjKvX — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 19, 2019
Lyon have made their way to the stadium! We are kicking off at 23:00 Mecca.
Nos garçons arrivent au stade ! 💪🏻#OLFCB pic.twitter.com/lBP7OzKxrY — Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) February 19, 2019
We are all set for a big night of European football! Jordi Cruyff believes that his father's former side are focusing on the Champions League this season.
Former #Barca player @JordiCruyff believes the Catalans have prioritized their success in Europe over their domestic success.#beINUCL #OLBarca pic.twitter.com/XGUlJz9ZRZ — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 19, 2019
Good evening! Welcome to the Live updates of Lyon Vs Barcelona. The Catalans have been far from convincing in recent weeks, can they get the result against a Lyon side who have been making strides in Ligue 1, including a shock 2-1 win over PSG a few weeks ago. As ever, join me for all the latest team news, build up and goals from the game as they go in! Yalla!