PREVIEW: Lyon - FC Barcelona

Champions League action returns this week for FC Barcelona, as they take on Lyon in France on Tuesday night. Barça travel with a 21-man squad for their debut in the knockout stage, having gone unbeaten in their group.

Kickoff is at 9pm local time (CET), but to find out when and where to watch the game in your part of the world, check out our handy guide below. The match can also be followed on the FC Barcelona Match Center and social media accounts.

How to follow the game live

The game kicks off at 9.00pm CET. A list of broadcasters can be found here and these are the timetables for the rest of the world:

The rival

Top scorer: Nabil Fekir* (8 goals) *Suspended for this game
Coach: Bruno Génésio
Ligue 1 record (2018/19): 46 points. 13W, 7D and 5L

Current form

#3* Lyon —> W W W W L W *(Ligue 1)
#1 Barça —> W W D D D W

Interesting stats

- Barcelona have scored at least two goals in three of their last four matches against Lyon and are undefeated in those four games against the French side. In all competitions in 2018/19, Barça are unbeaten in their last six but have drawn three of their last four.

- Lyon have drawn their last five Champions League matches, and have lost once in their last nine in all competitions (2018/19). 

The squad

Ernesto Valverde has called up 21 players for the trip to France: 

Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Piqué, I. Rakitic, Sergio, Coutinho, Suárez, Messi, O. Dembélé, Malcom, Lenglet, Murillo, Jordi Alba, Prince, S. Roberto, Vidal, Umtiti, Aleñá, Iñaki Peña, Jokin Ezkieta and Wague.

Todibo and Samper are left out, while Arthur, Rafinha, Cillessen and Vermaelen are injured. For this competition only, Carles Aleñá will continue to wear the number 26.

HIGHLIGHTS from Monday's training session!

Coaches' verdict

Bruno Génésio remained philosophical in his pre-match press conference, saying that: "We have to be measured. We can compete 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. We have to find a balance... Nabil Fekir is our captain and technical leader, and it's always difficult playing without him. He likes being decisive. We'll need to overcome his absence."

Ernesto Valverde was under no illusions as to the task that Barça face. "Lyon are a strong team at home, with great players and are very offensive. The Champions League is tough and difficult, but we're really up for this game," he noted.