How did another Messi masterclass conduct Barcelona’s ruthless Champions League demolition of Lyon?

It might have looked a bit shaky for about 15 minutes of the second half, but Barcelona advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the 12^th time in a row. Even more importantly, they did so in incredible fashion, brushing aside Lyon 5-1.

Once again, the Camp Nou was a real gladiatorial arena with over 92,000 people watching the Catalans finally find their scoring boots which they had missed dearly in the first leg back in France. That and some Lionel Messi magic on the side made for quite a spectacle and goals galore in the heart of Catalunya.

This tactical analysis will use statistics and insight to determine how Barcelona looked impressive in making quick work of Lyon, and punched their big ticket to the final eight of the coveted tournament.

Lineups

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Ter Stegen – Sergi Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba  Rakitić, Busquets, Arthur  Messi, Suarez, Coutinho

Bench: Cillessen, Semedo, Umtiti, Vidal, Aleñá, Malcom, Dembélé

Coach: Ernesto Valverde

Lyon (3-4-1-2)

Starting XI: Lopes  Dubois, Denayer, Marcelo, Marçal, Mendy  Tousart, Fekir, Ndombele  M. Dembele, Memphis

Bench: Gorgelin, Tete, Rafael, Traoré, Aouar, Cheikh, Cornet

Coach: Bruno Genesio

Barcelona setup

Ernesto Valverde made only two changes to the lineup he chose a couple of weeks back when these two teams faced off in France for the first leg. Back then, he did not have the luxury of including Arthur Melo in the team, as the Brazilian was injured and replaced by Sergi Roberto in midfield. But now Melo was ready and in the heart of Barcelonas midfield.

The other difference was Ousmane Dembele starting in the front trio alongside Lionel Messi and ex-Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez. This time round though, the Frenchman had minor trouble with his muscles so Valverde decided to bench him, and not risk aggravating the potential injury even more. In his place came Philippe Coutinho who looked a lot sharper than in recent weeks.

The rest of the team was as expe