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What Lionel Messi and Barcelona players did for two ill fans against Lyon is brilliant
LIONEL MESSI and Luis Suarez made a classy gesture to two ill Barcelona fans ahead of their Champions League showdown with Lyon.
Two young Barca-mad fans were unable to attend tonight’s match at the Lyon Olympic Stadium due to illness.
Both of the fans are currently ill at Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron hospital, though their ailments aren’t known.
But the club pulled out all the stops to make sure they had an amazing experience watching the game.
Barcelona gave the youngsters two of the best seats in the house via a pitch-side robot, which gave them a first-person view of the match.
Prior to the robot being positioned on the touchline, it was put in the tunnel in order for the fans to see their favourite stars before they entered the dressing room.
Lionel Messi and Suarez were the first to notice the neat bit of kit and took the time to wave and speak to the fans.
Their team-mates soon followed suit, topping off the kids’ surreal experience.
On the pitch, Barca failed to take an advantage back to Catalunya as they drew a blank in Lyon.
Barcelona gave the youngsters two of the best seats in the house via a pitch-side robot
Messi had a slew of chances but was denied on several occasions by Lyon stopper Anthony Lopes.
The 0-0 draw leaves Ernesto Valverde’s side in somewhat of a difficult position for the second leg.
They’re now at a greater risk of being eliminated due to away the away goals rule.
However, in order for away goals to count, the tie must end in a draw.
Messi and his Barca team-mates will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan to take on Sevilla.
Lyon, meanwhile, face Ligue 1 strugglers Monaco at the Stade Louis II on Sunday.
Barca currently top the La Liga table by seven points, with Atletico and Real Madrid sitting in second and third place respectively.
Lyon are six points off top spot in France, trailing league leaders Paris Saint-Germain by six points.