Lionel Messi scored twice and created two more as Barcelona came through a second half scare to hammer Lyon 5-1 and advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.
But it wasn’t a totally convincing performance from the Catalans, with the midfield providing particular cause for concern in the second half.
Let’s check out all the player performances with our full match ratings.
BARCELONA STARTING XI (4-4-2)
Ter Stegen 6. Made a good save to repel a mishit cross from Mendy and had little else to do other than stop a late free-kick.
Roberto 5. Not his best performance. Often looked vulnerable defensively and had a few missteps coming forward.
Pique 8. Another commanding performance, doing well against dangerous Dembele and getting forward to score.
Lenglet 7. Made a great block from Dembele in the first half and helped hold the fort when Lyon got on top.
Alba 7. Outstanding in the first half and one of the few Barca players who showed drive during their flat patch in the second.
Rakitic 6. Had an early shot blocked and sent another over the bar, but this was a so-so, tired-looking performance.
Busquets 5. Occasionally ponderous and sometimes caught out of position, he is starting to become a weak link.
Arthur 6. Pulled the strings expertly in midfield during Barca’s fast start but lost control later on and was replaced.
Messi 8. Opened the scoring from the spot and wrapped up the tie with a second goal before teeing up Pique and Dembele.
Suarez 7. Brilliant in the first half, winning the early spot-kick and brilliantly teeing up Coutinho for the second. Quieter after that.
Coutinho 7. First half was his best performance for ages, including a tap-in for the second goal, but he faded badly.
SUBS
Dembele 7. Came on for Coutinho and provided a spark at a time it was badly needed, netting the fifth.
Vidal 7. Added for the final 15 minutes to bring some much-needed bite into midfield and did that enforcer’s job well.
Semedo 6. Introduced near the end to replace Roberto and looked sharp and lively, although Lyon were done by then.
Lionel Messi is the only player in this season's #UCL to be directly involved in 10+ goals:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 13, 2019
⚽️ 8 goals
🅰️ 3 assists
Leading the way in Europe again. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/wtNf7F1SeN
LYON STARTING XI (5-3-2)
Lopes 7. Made an excellent stop from Messi and a brave save at Coutinho’s feet, injuring himself in the process and coming off.
Denayer 5. Foolishly fouled Suarez for the breakthrough penalty and regularly looked on the verge of a costly error.
Marcelo 6. Tried to stick tight to Suarez but was given the runaround by the Uruguayan, although he improved after the break.
Marcal 7. Tasked with shackling Messi and did a decent job, including a goalline clearance from the Argentine.
Dubois 5. Desperately struggled to contain the marauding runs of Alba and offered little threat coming forward.
Ndombele 7. Confident and composed in midfield. Perhaps sometimes too casual, but clearly a classy player.
Tousart 6. Often bypassed in the centre of the pitch but grabbed the goal to give his team hope and gained confidence.
Mendy 6. Patrolled the left flank and made some menacing runs, but his delivery was wayward. Injured later on.
Fekir 6. Struggled to influence the action in the first half but gradually imposed himself, showing some slick touches
Depay 6. Linked play well at times and always looked busy, playing a role in his team’s recovery before being replaced.
Dembele 7. Came close with a deflected first half strike and often threatened with powerful running. A real hot prospect.
SUBS
Gorgelin 6. Sub keeper introduced early after Lopes was injured. Got a hand to Messi’s decisive goal but not strong enough.
Traore 5. Replaced Depay for the final 20 minutes and unfortunate to come on at a time his team lost the initiative.
Cornet 5. Late sub for the injured Mendy, with little opportunity make an impact.
