Leo leads Barcelona into the quarter finals

Editorial Team 6 years ago

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a goal for Barcelona

The Argentine little Master was at the centre of Barcelona’s resounding 5-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais. The French side came to Camp Nou with the intention of defending deep and trying to score on the rare counter attacks. Lyon couldn’t handle Barcelona’s pressure and this game was unlike the reverse fixture that ended 0-0 at the Olympic stadium.

Bruno Genesio’s side conceded a penalty in 17th minute. Luis Suarez was fouled inside the box by Jason Denayer. Captain Lionel Messi scored with an impressive chip to open the scoring. Lopes was part of an ugly collision with Coutinho and needed medical attention for three to four minites. Despite that, the Lyon goalkeeper carried on. Suarez in a brilliant move rounded the Lyon goalie and unselfishly passed the ball to Philippe Coutinho who tapped it into an open net. Barcelona cruised to 2-0.

The goal keeper was struggling and he got replaced by substitute Mathieu Gorgelin after the second goal even though it was not his fault. The replacement keeper Gorgelin denied Messi with an outstretched right hand from an one on one opportunity. Lyon’s defense was no match for the Barcelona front three and the Catalan side should have ended the half with more goals.

Barcelona kept asking questions in the second half. Against the run of plays, Lucas Toussart brought Lyon back into contention in the second half by scoring a goal in the crowded Penalty box. The French side needed one more goal to progress to the quarter finals with the courtesy of away goal’s rule but Leo Messi had other ideas.

The little magician dribbled past Lyon shirts twisting and turning before scoring Barcelona’s third. Gorgelin got a finger tip to the shot but couldn’t stop it from going in. The little master was at it again this time taking three defenders towards him before passing the ball to Pique who made his run on the left side. The Spanish defender tucked it in and put the tie to bed.

Ousman Dembele rounded off an incredible evening for Barcelona by scoring through the legs of the keeper with Messi grabbing another assist. With two goals and two assists, Messi showed the world why he is still any defender’s nightmare as Barcelona easily progressed at the expense of the French side. The Catalan side will find out who they face in the quarter finals on March 15th when the draw is made.

Editorial Team

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LosMejor's Editorial Team includes a team of experts who cover the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. The Editorial team is headed by Deepak Selvan.