Lionel Messi, Barcelona Beat Lyon to Advance to Champions League Quarter-Finals
Barcelona advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Lyon 5-1 in their second-leg clash on Wednesday.
A goalless first leg set up a fascinating encounter and the Spanish champions passed the test at the Camp Nou.
A Lionel Messi penalty after 17 minutes got the home side rolling, and Philippe Coutinho doubled the advantage after 31 minutes.
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However, Lucas Tousart's effort shortly before the hour mark gave the French side genuine hope, but it was quickly snuffed out as Messi found the net with 12 minutes remaining.
Further goals from Gerard Pique and Ousmane Dembele put the game beyond doubt for the Catalans after a tricky second half.
Messi Is Great, But Cristiano Ronaldo Gave the Bigger UCL Performance
After Ronaldo's hat-trick performance for Juventus against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, it was left to Messi to inspire Barca against a resilient opponent.
Lyon set up deep to contain Messi and Luis Suarez, but the superstar pair combined to give the hosts the edge.
Messi flicked home a Panenka penalty to give his team the lead, and when Coutinho made it 2-0, it appeared the game was over.
However, Lyon never gave up, but their audacity to score was met by a vintage display from Messi in return.
The Argentina icon led Barca over the line. The Ligue 1 side had no answer as Messi made it 3-1 in the latter stages.
It was typical from the diminutive icon, but Messi did not upstage Ronaldo in terms of importance.
The Portuguese has struggled in the Champions League for his new club this term, but when Juve needed him most, he delivered in the most clinical way.
History will not be able to separate Messi and Ronaldo when their careers are over, but it was the former Real Madrid player who eclipsed his rival over the past 24 hours.
Improving Suarez Now the Key to UCL Success for Barca
Wednesday was a personal victory for the Uruguayan, proving he still has plenty in the tank in Europe.
Suarez has showed signs of decline this season, but the striker led the line with a magnificent display.
The forward controversially hit the deck as he was brought down in the box, allowing Messi to finish from the spot for the opener.
Suarez then assisted Coutinho to create a two-goal lead:
It was an all-action display by the No. 9, and he was Lyon's tormentor, allowing Messi the space he needs to operate.
With Real out of the competition, this has developed into an excellent opportunity for Barca to win in Europe once again. However, Suarez will need to be at the level he showed at the Camp Nou for Barca to proceed to the final and prevail.
Messi remains the Blaugrana's most important figure, but Suarez could be the difference-maker in the Champions League during the months ahead.
What's Next?
Both teams are back in action on Sunday. Barca travel to Real Betis in La Liga, with Lyon hosting Montpellier in Ligue 1.
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