iSporter Praneet Mhatre previews the match between the Galacticos and the French giants Olympique Lyonnais.
Being the most successful team in a competition’s history comes with its baggage. Real Madrid have taken the European title home nine times, more than any other team. And because of this, immaterial of their form and squad strength, the Galacticos are always a favourite to win the title! This year, the expectations are higher than usual (if that is possible!). The final is scheduled to be held at the Bernabeu and Madridistas around the world would expect nothing less than their team taking its tally of European championships into an unprecedented double figures.
Last weekend was arguably Real Madrid’s best so far this season. They strolled past lowly Xerez in La Liga and superstar Christiano Ronaldo marked his return with a brace. Catalan rivals Barcelona also tasted their first league defeat of the season and the gap at the top of La Liga is down to merely two points now. The Galacticos would like to ride on this momentum and go all out in search for the title they last won in the 2001-02 season.
However, facing Lyon away from home is not going be a walk in the park by any means. Real have lost on their previous two visits to Stade Gerland. But Lyon have had their share of problems this season as well. They are currently fourth in French Ligue 1 and their recent form has been mediocre at best. But Champions League football is a whole new ballgame and Lyon have impressed with their performance in Europe this season. They will still need to bring their A-game out to stop Manuel Pellegrini’s men, who are looking to stage a turnaround of their own.
Former Lyon hit man Karim Benzema has been included in Real’s squad and the news would please the supporters of both sides. It was his exploits at the French club, especially in Europe, that earned him the recognition which would eventually see him make a big money move to Madrid. This is the first time that he is returning to his old club and he would look to give it all in front of the crowd that cheered him for five seasons. Competition’s leading scorer Christiano Ronaldo has shown ominous form coming into this tie, but Lyon coach Claude Puel has warned his players against focusing on Ronaldo alone and giving space to the likes of Kaka and Higuain.
250 million Euros separate this year’s Real Madrid squad from the team that was humiliated by Liverpool last season. The Merengues have obviously added some flair as well as steel, and would be confident of making it through to the quarter-finals. But Lyon have been the most consistent giant killers in the recent past and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this tie doesn’t go according to the script!
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