Lyon vs. Real Madrid – Champions League preview
French club Lyon will take on the Spanish Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout Round of 16 match at Stade Gerland Stadium on 22nd February 2011.
Historic perspective
Lyon will consider themselves the underdogs for the match, especially considering their last encounter with Real. Lyon have a habit of keeping Real Madrid away from winning the prestigious Champions League title. Lyon thrashed Real in last season’s Champions
League match 2-1. Lyon have defeated Real each time in their last three encounters.
Lyon midfielder Kim Kallstrom said, “We have already beaten them before and we will try our utmost to do it again.” Lyon’s recent form is deadly as they have thrashed the likes of Saint Etienne and Nancy with scorecards of 4-1 and 4-0 respectively. They
also drew a match against Bordeaux.
Another good news for Lyon is that Real Madrid have fallen six times at this stage of the Champions League.
Real keen to continue good run
Real Madrid are sitting on second position in the La Liga, just behind http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38605. Real will be the favourites for the match, considering their brilliant recent form. Under Jose Mourinho’s leadership, Real have performed remarkably well in this season. They
have won 30 of their 38 matches. They have been beaten only thrice, while five games ended in a draw.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629 is hopeful that his team will beat Lyon this time around. He said, “This year is going to be totally different, highlighting the Jose Mourinho influence.”
Real’s boss has said that he has already prepared a plan to outperform Lyon in the forthcoming match. Mourinho’s men have still to be beaten in an away encounter this season, which is a big confidence booster for the club. Real have won all of their last
three matches.
Team News
Lyon’s Ederson, who just recovered from a hamstring Injury, is expected to sit on the sidelines. Argentinean striker Lisandro Lopez is still doubtful for the match due to a pulled hamstring. Goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hugo-Lloris-c16408 might make his return but decision on his
inclusion will be taken just before the match.
Real Madrid’s striker and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 International Gonzalo Higuain will not be seen in action due to a hernia surgery.
Key Players
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iker-Casillas-c16815
The Spanish and Real Madrid goalkeeper after completing a one match suspension against Levente will be eyeing a successful comeback. He captains both his national team and the club and could play a decisive role in a Real Madrid win.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 international will be the biggest concern for Lyon, as he can change the picture of matches within a few seconds with his amazing skills and tremendous goal-scoring prowess. He has scored 24 goals in as many La Liga matches.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yoann-Gourcuff-c37416
The attacking midfielder, who has already proven his worth at both club and national level, is now expected to destroy the dreams of Real Madrid. He has rise to the occasion to help his team get a win over the Mourinho team.
Match prediction
Real Madrid should have to make an early impact in the match to dictate the terms for the entire 90 minutes. The match may bring a first victory for the Spanish club over the French counterpart in the Champions League match. A close 2-1 victory for the Real
Madrid is predicted.
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