Last night’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 action saw a lack of goals, as Liverpool’s clash with Bayern Munich and Lyon’s match with Barcelona ended in stalemates.
Bayern and Barcelona now go into the second leg as favourites, as both have the advantage of hosting their matches.
However, anything is possible in football and not all hope is not lost for both Liverpool and Lyon.
A goal for the two would be extremely beneficial as the away goals rule would put them in a good place. If they can force a scored draw, they will progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Liverpool have the quality to get a result at the Allianz Arena. They currently are equal top of the Premier League table, whilst having a game in hand. The Reds had six more chances than Bayern, including two on target compared to Bayern’s zero. By making the most of their opportunities in the second leg, Jurgen Klopp’s men will be every chance of progressing to the next round.
It will be an even more difficult task for Lyon to progress meanwhile, who must travel to the Camp Nou for their second leg.
Lyon’s defence was under pressure all night, with Barcelona managing 25 shots compared to the home side’s five. Out of the 25, five were on target, while Barcelona also held 63% of possession.
Ernesto Valverde’s team will prove a harder proposition at home, however Lyon should not be ruled out. If Lyon can convert their chances, they are a good chance of progressing. Barcelona have been less than convincing in recent weeks, with just one win in their last five matches.
One match comes into mind when it comes to facing a strong side like Barcelona in the Champions League – Celtic’s 2-1 victory in the 2012/13 edition of the competition. Celtic only had 16% of possession compared to Barcelona’s 84%, while Barcelona had eight shots on target. Despite this, Celtic were victorious, and this highlights why Lyon are not completely out of the running for progression.
