Lyon’s struggles in stalemate against Barcelona

The highly-anticipated clash between Lyon and FC Barcelona produced a goalless draw in which the hosts suffered a lot, with only opposition errors saving them from defeat. As our preview predicted well, Lyon faced difficulties in the absence of Nabil Fekir. However, there were many more issues. This tactical analysis will look into this clash from Lyons point of view and focus on why they were weak in this game.

Lyon’s formation

Without Fekir Bruno Genesio lined up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Memphis Depay in the number 10 space and Martin Terrier introduced in Depays position on the left wing. It was hard to see this setup too much since Lyon lacked the possession phases where this shape could form.

Lyon’s formation transformed into a 4-4-2 in defence which was more evident in this game as they were forced to defend a lot of the time. Therefore, on those fairly rare occasions when Lyon were in possession, they formed a structure that is highlighted below.

The full-backs pushed forwards down the flanks in important attacking roles while the wingers pinned back the respective full-backs to the defensive line as Dembele occupied the centre-backs. In midfield was the usual double pivot of Houssem Aouar and Tanguy Ndombele and in between the lines, Depay.