Barcelona Favourites to Progress

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The two final Champions League round of 16 games take place on Wednesday 13th March and we have a great match to look forward to at the Camp Nou as Barcelona host Lyon.

This is the second leg of the round of 16 and the first leg ended 0-0 in France.  That result means both teams will believe they have a chance of progressing and should make for a very exciting night in Catalunya.

Barcelona come into this game having maintained their position at the top of La Liga thanks to a 3-1 home win over Rayo Vallecano. That results means Barcelona have won each of their last four matches (not including the Supercopa de Catalunya) and have remained undefeated in their last eleven games in all competitions.

Barcelona have a strong record in the Champions League having lost only one of their last seventeen games.  They have been strong at home, remaining undefeated in each of their last twenty-nine and winning seven of their last eight.

They know any sort of win will be enough to take them through but Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Tottenham Hotspur in their final group game and must avoid a repeat of that result.

Lyon will be happy to travel to the Camp Nou knowing they are still in with a chance. Despite not securing a win in the home leg, they prevented Barcelona from scoring an away goal and that could be pivotal should the French club score on Wednesday night.

Lyon picked up a point in Ligue 1 on the weekend as they were held to a 2-2 draw in Strasbourg but they currently remain on course to finish in the top three and qualify for the Champions League next season.

That draw means Lyon remain undefeated in five of their last six games in all competitions with the loss coming away to Monaco in Ligue 1.

Trends show Lyon are undefeated in the Champions League this season and in their last ten overall.  However, winning games has been a problem and Lyon have won just one of their last seven and have drawn each of their last six.

However, they know a 0-0 draw in this game will see the match enter extra-time and possibly penalties plus any other draw would be enough to take them through.

Team news and Barcelona are without the injured Rafinha and have doubts over Ousmane Dembele and Thomas Vermaelen.  If Dembele fails to make it, Philippe Coutinho will have a chance to impress on the left.

Lyon have doubts over the fitness of Rafael and Marcelo but it is believed the latter should be available to take his place in defence.  The big news for Lyon is the return of Nabil Fekir from suspension and he will hope to create chances from behind the striker.

This match may not be as clear-cut as many people believe.  Lyon have already defeated Manchester City away in the Champions League this season and could cause Barcelona problems.  However, with their quality and experience the home team should come through and win the game.