Champions League: Ex-Liverpool Star On Target In Barcelona Win
Former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho was amongst the goals as Barcelona secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a thumping win over Lyon at home.
Coutinho and Barcelona had played out a goalless draw with their French opponents in the first leg of their last 16 tie in France some weeks ago but their second meeting was more favourable for the Catalans though it must be pointed out that they suffered a scare when Lucas Tousart halved the deficit to 2-1 just before the hour mark.
Barcelona then went on to score three late goals to make it a more resounding 5-1 victory for the hosts.
The Catalan giants knew they had to win to qualify for the quarterfinals and they made a good start when star player Lionel Messi converted an 18th-minute penalty after Luis Suarez was brought down in the box by Lyon defender Jason Denayer.
Suarez was involved in the buildup for the second goal on 31 minutes as he unselfishly teed up former Liverpool teammate Coutinho for an easy goal.
Lyon pulled one back through the aforementioned Tousart but Barcelona had the last laugh as Messi added a third goal for his team before providing goals for both Gerard Pique and substitute Ousmane Dembele.
French international Dembele had replaced Coutinho after 70 minutes.
