And Barcelona also draw a blank
BARCELONA’S low-scoring run continued as they were held away to Lyon. The usually free-scoring Catalan giants drew three games in a row before battling to a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday, scoring only four goals across the four games. Three of those came from Lionel Messi, including two penalties, but the Argentina star was unable to add to his tally against a stubborn Lyon side who were without their suspended captain and top scorer Nabil Fekir. The visitors could have opened the scoring in the first minute when Ousmane Dembele found himself in space on the left-hand side of the penalty area, but the 21year-old flashed a half-volley wide of the post. And just two minutes later Lyon’s fans must have feared the worst when Houssem Aouar brought down Messi just outside the area, only for Messi to uncharacteristically fire the free-kick harmlessly over the bar. An end-to-end contest was producing plenty of chances and Ivan Rakitic curled a shot wide after being set up by Sergi Roberto, while Messi was also off target following a delightful onetwo with Jordi Alba. Lyon looked dangerous on the counter-attack and almost broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Memphis Depay flashed a half-volley just wide, while at the other end Messi’s shot was parried by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. Luis Suarez was inches away from connecting with a ball that was fizzed across goal and Lopes was again equal to a shot from Messi. Messi’s night was summed up as he twice fired shots into Lyon’s defensive wall from a last-minute free-kick and the home side deservedly held on to keep a clean sheet and leave the tie in the balance.