Lyon Vs Barcelona UCL 19 February Preview
Barcelona will be on a trip to the Groupama Stadium where they will lock horns with Olympique Lyon in what promises to be a fascinating thriller and encounter between the French and Spanish sides.
Lyon
For stat lovers, this is the first time in seven consecutive seasons that this French side will progress to the knock-out stages of this competition.
That said, they have been incredible this term having defeated and salvaged a draw against Premier League defending Champions, Manchester City.
They are regarded as the underdogs coming into this match but they would have home records to thank having won seven and lost just one of their last 13 European home games.
They will be looking to claim a win at home to secure the advantage in the tie before travelling to the Camp Nou.
Recent form (in all competitions): W W W W L W
Barcelona
Barcelona with help of Argentine talisman, Lionel Messi are in pole position to land the Copa del Rey and Laliga double but it is the Champions League that the Spanish giants want the most this time and they will stop at nothing to get it.
The presence of Lionel Messi in this team makes a strong case for the Blaugranas as favourites for the competition. Messi has been clinical in the competition this term having netted six goals already and getting two of them against an in-form Harry Kane at Wembley.
That said, they haven’t had a not-so-good run of form as of late but will be willing to put that aside and grab the winner here.
Recent form (in all competitions): W W D D D W
Team News
Lyon will be without the services of their captain, Nabil Fekir.
Barcelona also will be missing Samuel Umtiti, Arthur Melo, Rafinha and Jasper Cilessen and Thomas Vermaelen due to injuries.
Possible Starting Line-Up
Lyon
Lopes; Denayer, Marcelo, Marcal; Tete, Aouar, Mendy; Cornet, Depay, Dembele.
Barcelona
Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Vidal, Busquets; Dembele, Suarez, Messi.
