While the House of Commons was debating the options Britain had to exit the European Union, British football team Liverpool ensured that all four clubs participating in the last 16 of this year’s UEFA’s Champions League go through for the Quarter Final stage.
Sadio Mané scored twice as Liverpool brushed off their recent troubles away from home in the UEFA Champions League with a commanding performance at Bayern to reach the last eight.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had lost their last four on their travels in this competition but were in the driving seat from the moment Mané capitalised on Manuel Neuer’s 26th-minute error in exquisite style.
An own goal from German-born Joël Matip gave the hosts hope but Liverpool reassumed control and Virgil van Dijk’s towering second-half header provided breathing space. Mané’s late header made sure.
In the other match Lionel Messi scored twice and set up two other goals as Barcelona booked a last-eight place for the 12th successive season.
The hosts controlled the tempo from the off with Lionel Messi thwarted early on by Anthony Lopes, but Barcelona did take the lead in the 18th minute. Luis Suárez’s foray behind the Lyon defence was ended by Jason Denayer’s challenge and Messi coolly dinked his penalty down the middle.
Suárez was instrumental in the second goal too, racing onto Arthur’s pass and squaring for Philippe Coutinho to tap in. Lyon grabbed a lifeline in the 58th minute when Barça failed to clear and Lucas Tousart drove in – however Messi then took the game by the scruff of the neck.
The Blaugrana talisman turned the visiting defence inside out before squeezing in the third, before laying on goals for Gerard Piqué and Ousmane Dembélé from two devastating counterattacks.
CD / UEFA.com
