Lyon 0-0 FC Barcelona: Hits and Flops | UEFA Champions League 2018-19
Lyon hosted Barcelona in the first leg of the round of 16 tie. With captain and ace player Nabil Fekir suspended for the game, Memphis Depay slotted into the attacking midfielder role. Terrier and Traore flanked him on both sides while Aouar and Ndombele provided the screening to the defense.
Philippe Coutinho started on the bench and Sergi Roberto started in a midfield role. The first half got off to a flying start with both teams pressing well and going end to end. Barcelona had two to three good chances put to waste by their finishing while Lyon had one or two denied at the other end by Barcelona's #1.
In the second half, Barcelona caught Lyon by their scruffs and put their feet on their pedal. The possession, passing, and shots at goal began to rise rapidly and so did the frustrations of the Barcelona players. Bruno Genesio's side blocked all inroads into the box and even though the Blaugrana created some chances, they were put to waste as well or saved by Anthony Lopes.
The result leaves it all to play for at the Camp Nou. With their captain returning for the second leg and only needing a draw provided they score, Lyon will fancy their chances of dumping La Blaugrana out of the competition.
Here are five hits and flops from the game.
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#5 Flop: Memphis Depay
The Dutch international was played out of position in a central attacking midfield role and it is safe to say that it showed in his game. He did not get any of his shots to hit the target as two of his shots were blocked and the other was off target.
He did not complete any dribble and was caught sleeping on the pitch by Lionel Messi. Messi pinched the ball from under his nose without any struggle and ran into the open field ahead. Thankfully for Depay, no damage was done due to his catnapping on the middle of the field.
He was dispossessed thrice in possession. There were opportunities for him from set-pieces and crossing opportunities, and we can distinctly remember him sailing those waywardly away from goal.
There was one very good opportunity for him to take Gerard Pique for a joy-ride with some pace. He couldn't wriggle past him and in the end, took too bad a touch to take the ball wide away from goal and cross to no effect. He played in Fekir's position but clearly didn't fill his void.