Barca draw a blank against Lyon

Barcelona were the firm favourites ahead of this Champions League last-16 tie against Lyon despite a couple of injuries to Valverde's squad such as Jasper Cillessen. The Azulgranas were handed a boost as Samuel Umtiti returned to the squad from a persistent injury, although Ernesto Valverde did not call on him in the end.

However, Lyon fielded a strong team and definitely kept Barca at bay as the visitors struggled to find a final finish for each of their chances. Barca's front three playmakers, Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele, all had a myriad of chances but none of them were able to find that all important goal for their side.

After three minutes, Messi found himself with a free-kick in a menacing area of the pitch after being brought down by Aouar who subsequently went into the referee's book. This wouldn't be Barca' only free-kick of the match, as many more followed, but none found their way past Lopes in goal, or even Lyon's defence for that matter.

Lyon have their defence, centered by Denayer, to thank for the scoreline as they intercepted and diffused all of Barcelona's threatening chances throughout the match. They read the course of play well and put themselves in crucial positions to make life hard for Valverde's men.

As we approached half-time, Barcelona had a couple of decent efforts with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Busquets. The former released a right-footed strike towards Lopes' goal who may not have had it covered had the ball not flown wide. Busquets claimed the final action of the first-half as his shot was deflected wide, much to his frustration as he looked to tip Barca ahead before the break.

Come the second-half, Barcelona did not give up hope and continued threatening Lyon's goal with countless attacks, built from midfield. However, a series of poor final touches and final decisions meant that Leo Messi's lethal left foot shot was the best chance of the half for the Azulgranas. Lopes, again, was there to save and keep Lyon in it.

Looking for something different to switch up the dynamic of the game, Valverde brought Coutinho on to replace Ousmane Dembele, in the hope that he could break the deadlock for Barcelona. Although, the Brazilian has struggled to find form since joining from Liverpool, and it showed this evening as even he couldn't sniff out a goal for Barca.

The final action of this somewhat disappointing Champions League tie came with a Messi free-kick which encapsulated Barca's frustration as he hit the wall on both the first attempt, as well as the rebound. Lyon weren't without their own chances throughout the match but Ter Stegen was solid in goal and managed to avoid upset for the visiting side.

The return leg, at the Camp Nou, will take place on March 13th, during which Barcelona will look to keep Lyon from scoring any away goals, while continuing their campaign for silverware this season. Although, Valverde's side have only scored one goal in their last three matches so they will need a rethink.