Messi proves too much for Lyon as Barcelona reach Champions League quarters

Lionel Messi came up just short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick a day earlier but still scored twice and set up two more as Barcelona beat Lyon 5-1 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

After Ronaldo's treble on Tuesday for Juventus sent Atletico Madrid packing in Turin, Messi delivered his own symphony on Wednesday at the Camp Nou, where Lyon were outplayed save for a very brief period in the second half when they threatened a comeback in this last-16 tie.

"Cristiano yesterday was impressive," Messi said afterwards.

"It was a big surprise because I thought Atletico would be stronger but Cristiano had a magical night."
"We did what we could."
"In the last few weeks, months even, I've not been playing well," Coutinho said. "You never know what the future holds but I am happy with my performance today."
"It was an important match for him and he played very well."
- Exquisite -
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