It was a clinical performance from Barcelona at Nou Camp as they got the better of Lyon by 5-1 to advance to the quarterfinal stage of the Champions League. Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho scored the goals for their side in the first half that saw them ease past the Ligue 1 club in their own backyard.
Messi opened the scoring for the Blaugrana in the first half, sending the ball into the back of the net with a perfect panenka spot kick after Luis Suarez was brought down into the box by former Manchester City defender Jason Denayer. Suarez played the ball into the path of Coutinho a few moments later as the Brazilian tapped the ball into the empty net with Lyon goalkeeper Lopes already out of position.
The Argentine maestro scored his second of the match in the second half as his shot was deflected into the net off the substitute keeper Gorgelin. He also provided two brilliant passes at the end of his trademark runs for Pique and Dembele to make it five and send the La Liga giants into the next round.
Lyon showed some resilience in the early minutes after the restart and pulled one back through Lucas Tousart, but it was too little too late for them.
Here is how the Barcelona players were rated from their win against Lyon.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen: 7
Did not have much to do except a few occasional saves with the Lyon attackers being wasteful with the chances they had on offer.
Sergi Roberto: 7
Kept getting forward with the ball whenever the opportunity was there. His backtracking was also spot on throughout the game.
Gerard Pique: 7
Superb composure from the Spaniard as he made sure not to provide any space for the likes of Depay and Dembele for taking their shots on goal. Passed the ball well to initiate the attack from the deep as well.
Clement Lenglet: 6
Looked a little shaky in the first quarter of the match but steadied himself as the game progressed. Made some crucial interceptions to dispossess the opposition attackers.
Jordi Alba: 7
Was at his flamboyant best down the left flank as he kept getting into the danger area to deliver accurate passes to set up attacks. Fell back well to keep the goal guarded as well.
Sergio Busquets: 7
A calm and composed display in the middle of the pitch by the Spaniard. Made a number of interceptions to break down the Lyon attacks before they could build.
Ivan Rakitic: 6
Took on the physicality of Tanguy Ndombele and did well to restrict him from getting possession of the ball. Looked a little fatigued towards the end of the match.
Arthur: 7
Kept getting the ball into the danger area with his accurate passing throughout the match. Vied well for the ball against Tousart.
Philippe Coutinho: 6
Got his name on the scoresheet in the first half after tapping in a pass from Suarez. Lacked the threat for the rest of the match though and was replaced by Dembele in the second half.
Lionel Messi: 9
His performance tonight was a treat for the eye of any football fan. Looked unstoppable throughout the match with his close control on the ball as he opened up acres of space in the danger area. Scored a brilliant penalty and another opportunistic goal before setting Pique and Dembele up in front of the goal with two pinpoint passes to seal the tie for his side.
Luis Suarez: 8
Kept playing on the shoulders of Denayer throughout the match and compelled him to commit errors. Did not score any goal but looked like an obvious threat in the box.
Substitutes
Ousmane Dembele: 7
Troubled the Lyon defenders with his classy footwork. Scored the final goal for his side with a well taken shot.
Arturo Vidal: 6
Did well for his short stay on the pitch after he replaced Arthur.
Nelson Semedo: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
