Group E: Barcelona v Olympique Lyon Barcelona's spluttering start to the Primera Liga season has coach Frank Rijkaard scratching his head as they prepare to host Olympique Lyon tonight. The 2006 winners have struggled to goalless draws away to Osasuna and Racing Santander, and were helped by a refereeing error in a 3-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao two weeks ago.
They have only scored one goal from open play, but television replays showed Yaya Toure's shot against Bilbao came down on the line after hitting the crossbar. The other two were a penalty and free kick from Ronaldinho. "This isn't the image I want for Barcelona and it isn't the one we should be giving," Rijkaard said after Sunday's draw with Osasuna. We still haven't seen the Barcelona we are all used to seeing."
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o is out with a thigh injury, but in France striker Thierry Henry they have a proven goalscorer as a replacement. The problem is he has yet to break his duck for his new club in the league. Argentina forward Lionel Messi was rested with a thigh strain on Sunday, but is expected to be back to join Ronaldinho and Henry in their familiar three-pronged attack.
Carles Puyol is still recovering from a knee ligament injury which means Argentina's Gabriel Milito will probably accompany France's Lilian Thuram in the centre of defence.
Lyon, who have topped their group in the three previous years, have set their sights on more progress this season despite losing Florent Malouda, Tiago and Eric Abidal, who now plays for tonight's hosts. Their attack relies heavily on France forward Karim Benzema. "Barcelona are a great team with star players but we are going over there to play a great match. Any team can be beaten," Benzema said yesterday.
Lyon will be without two long-term injury victims, goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and defender Cris.
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