2-2, Ruud misses winning chance
Real Madrid have gone through to the second round of the Champions League, but as second of their group. The Whites fought hard throughout the entire match, and were about to turn the score over from being 2-0 down, but it just wasn't to be. Goals by Diarra and Van Nistelrooy, respectively, equalised the score, and the Dutchman's 89' penalty kick was stopped by Coupet, preventing the Whites' victory. Real Madrid face Dynamo Kyiv in two weeks time.
This was the fourth head-to-head match between Real Madrid and Olypmique Lyonnais in two seasons, with the first three games resulting in two defeats and one draw for the Whites. Fabio Capello lined up the most frequent starting eleven seen so far this season with hopes of beating the French side and taking over the top spot in Group E. Cannavaro, finally recovered from his injury, found his way into the starting eleven but had to wear a thigh band, and Robinho returned as a starter on the left wing. The highly-anticipated clash was expected to be one of the best you can get in the Champions League nowadays, and despite Lyon missing important players such as Wiltord, Govou, Fred and Benzema -the visitors are still a very compact team that can play virtually blindfolded.
Lyon get off to a strong start
Real Madrid started playing better than the visiting side, applying good pressure on their rival's midfield. In the first ten minutes, Emerson and Diarra controled important Lyonnais players like Toulalan, Juninho and Tiago, while Robinho, Raúl and Guti flowed exceptionally well in the attack. The first ten minutes gave fans high hopes for a victory, but they were soon dashed by John Carew. The Norwegian striker, who put a lot of pressure on the Madrid back line from the opening kick off, pulled off a beautiful play in the eleventh minute. He dribbled the ball on his own from the midfield and didn't stop until it hit the back of Casilla's goal.
Real Madrid couldn't manage to put goalkeeper Coupet to the test, their only chance being a header by Raúl on the edge of the box. On the 20-minute mark, Guti had to be replaced by Reyes due to injury, which allowed the fans to catch a glimpse of what the team might look like on Sunday against Valencia. The substitution meant the Seville native would play down the right wing and Raúl as centre midfielder. Meanwhile, Carew continued causing trouble for the defense and proved hard to handle for Fabio Cannavaro. On one occasion, he crossed the ball for Tiago to score, but Casillas managed to make the save. Minutes later, he was again able to dart down the pitch, but was again denied of a score.
Real Madrid fight back
Real Madrid had lost control of the ball and the match. Things weren't going as Fabio Capello had planned, especially after Malouda scored Lyonnais' second goal. The always effective Juninho served a terrific free kick that the French international scored after getting by both Ramos and Casillas. The Whites were two goals down after thirty minutes of play. Things were looking tough for the home team, but the match was far from over.
Reyes knew what had to be done, and a play he threaded down the left wing nearly ended with a score. Coupet managed to stop the shot and neither Raúl nor Van Nistelrooy could hit the rebound. Reyes then threw in a corner that hit on Van Nistelrooy, but that Diarra headed into the goal. The goal gave the Whites a boost and served as a warning to his former teammates that there were more than 45 minutes left to be played.
Give and takeTempo and emotions ran wild following halftime. Real Madrid had no other option than to attack. Lyon sat tight and opted to wait for a chance to counter. Both teams had several chances on goal, but Ramos, Robinho, Carew and Malouda all failed to score. Anything could happen. The match was there for the taking by either side and the crowd appreciated the excitement both teams were providing.
Van Nistelrooy misses a penalty
Real Madrid's gas lasted only 20 minutes and fatigue began taking its toll. Capello decided to substitute Cassano for Emerson, but Olympique Lyonnais' ability to press forward gave them growing confidence. The Whites' only hope could only come from a set piece, and that chance finally came. In the 83rd minute, Van Nistelrooy scored by taking the rebound of a header missed by Raúl off a corner kick.
It was hard to equalise against a team that stands undefeated so far in the Champions League, but they managed to do it. Real Madrid could have completed the perfect turnaround had Van Nistelrooy not missed a penalty in the 89th minute. A real shame. Coupet's magical hand saved the day.
MATCH REPORT:
2 – REAL MADRID: Casillas; Ramos, Helguera, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Raúl, Diarra, Emerson (Cassano 74’), Robinho; Guti (Reyes 20’) & Van Nistelrooy.
2 – OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS: Coupet; Reveillere, Cris, Squillaci, Abidal; Toulalan (Diarra 91’), Tiago, Juninho; Clerc, Malouda & Carew.
GOALS:
0-1, 11': Carew defeats Casillas in an individual play.
0-2, 30': Malouda scores from a free-kick taken by Juninho.
1-2, 38': Diarra scores a header from a corner.
2-2, 83': Van Nistelrroy scores from a rebound shot on the post by Raúl.
2 – REAL MADRID: Casillas; Ramos, Helguera, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Raúl, Diarra, Emerson (Cassano 74’), Robinho; Guti (Reyes 20’) & Van Nistelrooy.
2 – OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS: Coupet; Reveillere, Cris, Squillaci, Abidal; Toulalan (Diarra 91’), Tiago, Juninho; Clerc, Malouda & Carew.
GOALS:
0-1, 11': Carew defeats Casillas in an individual play.
0-2, 30': Malouda scores from a free-kick taken by Juninho.
1-2, 38': Diarra scores a header from a corner.
2-2, 83': Van Nistelrroy scores from a rebound shot on the post by Raúl.
REFEREE: Terje Hauge (Norway). Booked Toulalan (19’), Revelleire (49’), Juninho (54’), Roberto Carlos (74’), Cannavaro (83’),Raúl (90’) & Ramos (93’).
Video of Real Madrid Vs Lyon
Match HIGHLIGHTS:
Matchday 5 in Group E of the Champions League. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Match HIGHLIGHTS:
Matchday 5 in Group E of the Champions League. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Report by Luis Navarro
Photography by Ángel Martínez & David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 11:41 PM
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