Real Madrid vs Olympique Lyonnais | UEFA Champions League | Last 16 | Second Leg | Preview
No page has gone unturned leading up to Wednesday’s Real Madrid-Olympique Lyonnais match. All the Whites’ fortes and OL’s weak points have been analyzed. Statistics have been read over once and again and matches gone by have been remembered. But little of it will help once the ball is kicked off. Twenty-two players will do battle for a coveted berth in the Champions League quarterfinals. Another night of magic awaits at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The return leg of the Round of 16 has finally arrived. Almost a month has passed since Real Madrid lost 1-0 at Stade Gerland. But fans, the club and most importantly, the players are convinced the aggregate can be turned around. Manuel Pellegrini hasn’t overlooked a detail, and in order to take care of business called up every healthy Madridista including Castilla’s Pedro Mosquera. Those not available include Benzema, Drenthe, Xabi Alonso and Marcelo. The former two are still recovering from injury, while the latter duo must serve one-match suspensions after being booked in the first leg.
Real Madrid:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Ramos, Albiol, Arbeloa, Metzelder, Garay
Midfielders: Diarra, Gago, Lass, Granero, Kaka, Guti, Van der Vaart, Mosquera
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Higuain
Scoring early is crucial if Los Blancos are to accomplish their goal, but it won’t be an easy task. Olympique Lyonnais haven’t conceded a goal in six straight matches; 620 minutes of shut out action by Hugo Lloris. While OL’s goalkeeper has certainly taken center stage, Claude Puel will have his full squad on hand with the exception of Bastos. Lissandro and Cissokho made the trip to the Spanish capital despite suffering bumps and bruises during their last Ligue 1 match against Boulogne.
Lyon:
Goalkeepers: Lloris, Vercourtre
Defenders: Cris, Boumsong, Gassama, Reveillere, Cissokho
Midfielders: Bodmer, Kallstrom, Gonalons, Toulalan, Makoun, Belfodil, Pjanic, Ederson, Delgado, Govou
Forwards: Gomis, Lisandro Lopez, Tafer
The Santiago Bernabeu will be Real Madrid’s best ally come kick-off. Site of the 22 May final, Madridistas will fill the stands to support their players, who have committed to leave their hearts and souls on the field of play. Hopefully as Pellegrini predicted, fans and team will turn the table on Olympique Lyonnais.
Referee: Mr. Nicola Rizzoli
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