UEFA Champions League
Lyon vs Barcelona Preview
Olympique Lyon will host FC Barcelona on Tuesday as both sides continue their conquest for European glory. After a pulsating round of fixtures last week, the 8 other teams in the Round of 16 will go head to head. Lyon will welcome heavy favorites Barcelona to the Groupama Stadium. The first leg will be crucial for the French side because they will have to make sure to get a foothold in the tie. Home advantage will be crucial and desperately needed. Barcelona have unfinished business in the Champions League after 3 rather unsuccessful campaigns in a row. The Blaugrana have made it clear how badly they want to win the coveted trophy this season. A decent showing in the Round of 16 will be imperative.
However, it won’t be an easy task against a spirited Lyon outfit. They are young and hungry for success. And what better way to prove your mettle than take on Barça.
Team News
Bruno Genesio has a very capable squad at his disposal but there is also bad news. Nabil Fekir will miss the first leg through suspension. The absentee list also includes Jason Denayer due to a groin injury and potentially Tanguy N’Dombele. N’Dombele is doubtful because of an ankle injury.
Ernesto Valverde’s Barça most notably, will be without Arthur Melo due to his femoral biceps injury. But they have been handed a massive boost as Samuel Umtiti has returned to the squad list after a lengthy injury layoff. The French defender could make a small appearance against his former club. Ousmane Dembele has also been declared fully fit and ready.
Ones To Watch
In the absence of Fekir, Lyon will have to rely mainly on Memphis Depay to do some damage in the final third. Ferland Mendy, the in form leftback will also be on everyone’s radar. There is strong speculation about him moving to Barça in the summer.
For the Catalans, the eyes will obviously be on their captain and talisman Leo Messi. He will look to carry forward his fine form in the CL. As will Ousmane Dembele who seems to be raring to go after his injury.
Interesting Facts and Prediction
Here are some nifty tidbits about this fixture:
- Barcelona have never lost against Lyon. In the 6 games they have played against each other, the Spanish giants have won 4 times. They have also scored in all 6 games.
- The last encounter between these two sides was in the 2008/09 season in the Round of 16. Barcelona won the tie 6-3 on aggregate on route to total victory.
- Lyon and Barça are both unbeaten in the group stages this season.
- Lyon’s Memphis Depay is the joint-top assister in this season’s CL with 4 assists alongside Kylian Mbappe and Riyad Mahrez.
- Since the 2009 CL final, Messi has scored 90 goals in 90 starts for Barcelona in the competition.
- Barcelona have reached the knockout stages for the 15th season running whereas Lyon have qualified for the first time since 2011/12.
All in all, this game is poised to be supremely exciting. There will be a lot of quality football on display for sure. Both sides have been in fine form domestically. Lyon have been doing well and sit 3rd on the Ligue 1 table. Barça are on top of the La Liga standings. Barcelona will head into the first leg as clear favorites but by no means should Lyon be underestimated. Genesio’s team were terrific in the group stages and they even managed to win against a very strong Manchester City side.
Prediction: Olympique Lyon 1-3 FC Barcelona
Photo credit to Barcelona via Twitter
