Goalscoring woes continue for Ernesto Valverde’s men with Champions League stalemate

Barcelona’s dangerous run in entrance of aim continued into their Champions League type after they might solely handle a 0-Zero draw at Lyon within the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Ernesto Valverde’s males, who’re normally so ruthless in entrance of aim, went into the sport having drawn three in a row earlier than scraping a 1-Zero win over Actual Valladolid on the weekend, scoring simply 4 targets throughout the 4 video games.

Three of these got here from Lionel Messi, together with two penalties, however the Argentina star was unable so as to add to his tally towards a cussed Lyon facet who had been with out their suspended captain and high scorer Nabil Fekir.

The guests might have opened the scoring within the first minute when Ousmane Dembele discovered himself in area on the left-hand facet of the penalty space, however the 21-year-old flashed a half-volley large of the publish.

And simply two minutes later Lyon’s followers should have feared the worst when Houssem Aouar introduced down Messi simply exterior the world, just for Messi to uncharacteristically fireplace the free-kick harmlessly over the bar.

Aouar, who was shown a yellow card for the foul, then drew a good save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the other end before the Barcelona goalkeeper produced an even better one to tip Martin Terrier’s swerving free-kick onto the bar before gratefully gathering the rebound.

An end-to-end contest was producing plenty of chances and Ivan Rakitic curled a shot wide after being set up by Sergi Roberto, while Messi was also off target following a delightful one-two with Jordi Alba.

Lyon looked dangerous on the counter-attack and almost broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Memphis Depay flashed a half-volley just wide, while at the other end Messi’s shot was parried by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.

Barcelona boss Valverde changed Dembele with Philippe Coutinho as his facet sought a primary away win within the knockout phases since 2016, however Luis Suarez was inches away from connecting with a ball that was fizzed throughout aim and Lopes was once more equal to a shot from Messi.

Messi’s night time was summed up as he twice fired photographs into Lyon’s defensive wall from a last-minute free-kick and the house facet deservedly held on to maintain a clear sheet and go away the tie within the stability.