SM
Yemen vs. Saudi Arabia: 17 hrs 54 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
L
Champions League | Round of 16
Feb 19, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
BL

0-0

 
FT

Ernesto Valverde confident the goals will flow for Barcelona

:Headline: Ernesto Valverde confident the goals will flow for Barcelona: ID:350760: from db_amp
Barca face Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Ernesto Valverde insists Barcelona can end their recent low-scoring run when they take on Lyon in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.

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, while Luis Suarez has not scored in four appearances in February.

Valverde, though, told Marca ahead of the first leg of the Lyon tie: "Everyone has their own opinion. Perhaps we have not created many chances in some games, but we are clearly an attacking team.

"I do not have a lot to say, we will see tomorrow."

Barca's last away win in the competition's knockout stage came in 2016 against Arsenal but Valverde continued: "Records are there to be broken.

"It was also said that we did not score away from home and this year we have done so in big (group-stage) games against Tottenham and Inter."

Lyon proved their quality and their taste for the big occasion with a win and a draw against Manchester City in the group stage, and again by recently inflicting Paris St Germain's first defeat of the Ligue 1 season.

Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets said: "We have a lot of respect for Olympique (Lyonnais) and we know about their results against Manchester City and PSG.

"A completely different scenario to the group stage. We know what they can do to us."

Thomas Vermaelen joins Arthur, Rafinha and goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen on Barca's injury list.

Lyon will be without captain and top scorer Nabil Fekir for the first leg due to suspension.

Manager Bruno Genesio admits the absence of the World Cup-winner will be a big blow.

"We have to find a balance tomorrow," he said. "Nabil Fekir is our captain and technical leader. It's always difficult playing without him.

"He likes being decisive. We'll need to overcome his absence.

"We have to be measured. We can compete tomorrow but we aren't favourites.

"It will take more effort than usual. It's important to believe and trust in yourself. I'm calm and serene. The danger is to play the match before starting it."

Tuesday's clash will also see Barca defender Samuel Umtiti return to the club where he began his career.

Genesio, whose side are third in Ligue 1, said: "We are proud to have participated in the rise of Samuel Umtiti. We are very happy to reunite with him.

"He is a winner and a competitor. I am very happy to see him come back."

amp_article__350760 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-02-18 23:00:11:
html db last update - 2019-02-18 23:00:11 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Ernesto Valverde

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .