Olympique Lyonnais travel to Cyprus to face APOEL Nicosia carrying a one goal lead over the Cyprians and would be hoping to build on the lead in a bid to revive their season that has taken a downward spiral
In their first leg game of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 side, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 dominated APOEL Nicosia of Cyprus but had just one goal to show for all of their superiority.
However, since then, Les Gones have gone on to their poorest losing streak of the campaign. Les Gones have been winless in three games which includes two defeats. Remi Garde men’s chances of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season are hanging in
the balance considering how far they are from third-placed LOSC Lille.
The game against the minnows from Cyprus will offer them Rhone side a big chance to return to winning ways. Many players in the team have performed well below their true levels. Goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hugo-Lloris-c16408 has also admitted how much small mistakes have cost
the side in recent weeks.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cyprus-c2881 in order to restore much-needed confidence.
"We weren't lucky enough to do that, but the Champions League is a different competition, and it's knockout football. That means it's a completely different context. I think this match has come up at exactly the right time for us."
After the game against Nicosia, a series of tough fixture awaits Garde’s charges which include games against Lille, PSG, Saint-Etienne and Rennais, all the teams that want more or less the same thing Lyon want.
However, the recent defeat in the league could be a blessing in disguise for Lyon. Les Gones have gone on to draw or win in Champions League this season whenever they have lost a league game.
Moreover, Lyon have never been ousted by a ‘smaller’ side in the Champions League either home or away. However, as recent games in UCL have shown, stats bear no reflection on the outcome of the game.
The game against Cyprus would also offer the struggling side a chance to know how far they can go in Europe. Obviously, Garde wants to go as far as possible in the Champions League but there are many factors that come to play a crucial role in this.
Securing a place in the quarterfinals is by no means a given considering the way APOEL defend while at home.
Once again, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ederson-c11880 or young midfielder Clement Grenier might be given the nod to start against APOEL.
Bafetimbi Gomis will most likely be relegated to the bench as Remi Garde prefers to have an extra midfielder on European nights. In his place, Lisandro Lopez is expected to lead the attack.
Croatian centre-back, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dejan-Lovren-c10779 is fit but will start the game from the bench. In his place, young Bakary Kone is expected to pair up with captain Cris who has been highly displeased with his teammates in recent weeks.
Probable teams
APOEL Nicosia: Chiotis; Poursaitidis, Oliveira, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ailton-c4095
Lyon: Lloris; Réveillère, B. Koné, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cris-c9486, Cissokho; Gonalons, Källström; Briand, Ederson (or Grenier), Bastos; Lisandro
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