Barcelona trashed Lyon with 5-1, displaying just how good they can be as they took a 2-0 lead just after the first half.
Lionel Messi claimed this contest, and the Argentinian had two goals and two assists rightfully earning the player of the game title.
Barcelona took the lead in the 17th minute when Luis Suarez was brought down in the box, and the referee immediately pointed at the spot. Messi stepped up to score with a cheeky lobe.
The Uruguayan striker was involved in the second goal also, as he assisted to Coutinho who didn’t find it difficult to execute.
Lucas Tousart halved the deficit to only one after a defensive mixed up but that was just a temporary thing.
The final 10 minutes proved costly for the French side as they conceded three goals in quick succession.
Messi netted once more in the 78th minute before Pique and Dembele scored to wrap up the demolition.
The loss left boss Bruno Genesio frustrated but not angry with his team, as he remains proud of his players.
The 52-year-old admitted that little can be done to stop the Messi when he’s in top form.
“A lot of things depended on him and when he plays like that he’s unstoppable,” Genesio said at his post-match press conference.
“When he’s motivated he’s a genius. He’s one of the best of all time.”
The draw for the quarterfinals will be made on Friday noon central European time.
Besides these two sides, Man City, Man United, Juventus, Tottenham, Porto and Ajax Amsterdam participate at that stage.
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