Lyon vs Barcelona Predictions

Lyon managed to progress past a tough group stage in this Champions League campaign at the end of last year, drawing away to Shakhtar Donetsk in the final group match to keep their 2 point advantage over the Ukrainians in tact. They also beat out talented newcomers Hoffenheim, but in the end lagged some 5 points adrift of winners Manchester City.

That has landed them with one of the most difficult of last 16 ties – A clash with European heavyweights Barcelona. The odds are stacked in the Catalan giants’ favour, of course, but Lyon do have some reasons to be optimistic about their chances.

Firstly, while they may have struggled to win in the group stages they actually went unbeaten throughout all 6 matches. This includes a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City and a shock win at the Etihad on matchday 1.

Not only that, but just 2 weeks ago they put an end to PSG’s unbeaten Ligue 1 campaign with a fantastic 2-1 win at the Groupama Stadium. They certainly have some form going against the bigger teams on the continent, and they will be hoping to deal a blow to Barcelona’s chances on Tuesday.

Barcelona are another team who managed to remain undefeated through the group stages too, although draws against Inter Milan and Spurs do show they’re by no means unstoppable.

Similarly, while Messi and company may be flying high at the top of La Liga, it hasn’t been plain sailing all the way. In fact, their narrow 1-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday ended a run of 3 winless matches, and away from home they have won 1, drawn 1, and lost 2 of their last 4 competitive outings.

Overall this season Barcelona have failed to win 7 of their 17 trips away in all competitions, and they’re facing a Lyon side who have only lost 3 at home all season. This makes a Lyon Win or Draw Double Chance look a very good value offering, so we’re backing that alongside a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.