Barcelona player ratings as Lionel Messi lacks finishing touch in 0-0 at Lyon

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  • Barcelona huffed and puffed but failed to blow Lyon away as the round of 16 encounter at the Groupama Stadium on Wednesday night ended in a goalless draw.

    Lionel Messi was predictably a central figure but the little magician couldn’t quite weave his magic in France. The hosts posed a threat on the break but Barcelona were able to cope.

    It was another poor European night away from home for Luiz Suarez while Ousmane Dembele complemented Messi well before his bewildering substitution in the second half.

    The Catalans will be disappointed to come away from Lyon without an away goal given the kind of chances they squandered.

    It does however set up an enticing second leg back at Camp Nou in three weeks’ time.

    STARTING XI (4-3-3)

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen 7 – Made an outstanding save to keep out Martin Terrier’s swerving strike from range. Commanded his area and was quick off his line.

    Nelson Semedo 6 – Excellent on the ball and looked assured at the back with Sergi Roberto supporting him.

    Gerard Pique 7 – Made a crucial intervention when Moussa Dembele appeared to be clean through. Solid in defence.

    Clement Lenglet 6 – Had a headed chance from a free-kick that looped over. Confident at the back.

    Jordi Alba 7 – Showed great attacking intent with a couple of excellent cut-backs and a decent effort on the volley as well.

    Ivan Rakitic 6 – Could’ve done better from Messi’s lay-off but his effort from the top of the box went wide. Retained possession well.

    Sergio Busquets 6 – Went close with a deflected effort on the stroke of half-time. Anchored the midfield expertly and shielded the defence.

    Sergio Roberto 6 – Good positional play as he helped keep the ball but also generated a bit of width on the right at times while tracking back as well.

    Lionel Messi 7 – Had more space to operate in than he’s used to and wasn’t ruthless enough. Still the best player, creating a host of chances and looking the most likely to score. Just lacked the finishing touch.

    Luis Suarez 4 – Anonymous in the first half and wasteful in the second. His drought away in Europe – now over 24 hours of playing time – continues.

    Ousmane Dembele 7 – Showed good signs in the first half and even tested the keeper. Stretched the defence and was surprisingly hooked in the second half.

    SUBS

    Philippe Coutinho (67′) 6 – Replaced Dembele and didn’t have the same influence in attack despite forcing a save from Anthony Lopes.

    Arturo Vidal (81′) N/A – Offered a bit more drive from midfield.

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