Comment - Lyon should not be underestimated

21 April 2010 14:59
Make no mistake; the rookies of Lyon will go into tonight's Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena as clear underdogs.

Lyon are making their first venture into the Champions League last four, and a brief look at their small squad is enough to tell you that, in theory, they should lack the strength in depth to compete at Europe's highest level.

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But they managed to knock out Real Madrid by employing strong discipline, a united team ethic, and a counter attacking approach from coach Claude Puel, who has been gaining plaudits throughout the season as his list of European scalps now includes Liverpool, Real Madrid and neighbours Bordeaux.

Here are Football.co.uk's three Lyon players to watch.

HUGO LLORIS

The French international goalkeeper only signed for Lyon 18 months ago from Ligue 1 side Nice, but has been in exceptional form ever since. He looks a bargain at £6.5 million.

The stopper has played a pivotal role in getting his team to the semis. When Lyon won 2-1 at Anfield during the group stages, he made four fantastic saves to make sure his side came away with the victory their performance deserved that night.

Lloris had another world class night in the Bernabeu, saving twice from the prolific Crsitiano Ronaldo and once more from Gonzalo Higuain, to see his side through to the quarter finals.

Tonight, he will have to pull out all the stops again, as he will be up against some of Europe's hottest talents, in Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez, Ivica Olic, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

MICHEL BASTOS


Considered by many in Brazil to be the next Roberto Carlos, he moved to Lyon last summer from Lille for £15m.

Previously used as a left-back, Puel has employed Bastos more often as a winger this season, and will look to exploit the vast gaps left by Bayern's marauding right back, Phillip Lahm.

The 26-year-old Brazil international has an excellent cross delivery, so Lahm will have to watch his step tonight; give this tricky winger too much space and the German side could pay a costly price.

Bastos also has an excellent shot on him; he scored a 21 minute hat-trick earlier this season against Sochaux. Bayern, you have been warned.

LISANDRO LOPEZ

Bought to replace the outgoing Karim Benzema, the Argentine striker has had a far more successful season than the Frenchman now at Real Madrid.
He was an expensive acquisition at £20m, but has so far lived up to his billing, and has experience at this level with previous club Porto.
Lisandro might now only fire Lyon to a Champions League final, he could be Diego Maradona’s first choice fire power at the World Cup this summer.

This boy has everything. He is quick, strong and can shoot with both feet.

Bayern's obvious weak link is their centre half partnership of Martin Demichelis and Daniel van Buyten, two ageing defenders not blessed with pace.
They may find it difficult to cope tonight with the rapid Lisandro, and, having scored two in the last round against Bordeaux, is in red hot form in the competition.

- Robbie Blakeley

Source: DSG