Profile: Olympique Lyonnais
Have we met before? Yes, twice. And United are unbeaten against the
French champions. The Reds were 2-0 down at half time in the teams'
first ever meeting in September 2004. But two second-half Ruud van
Nistelrooy strikes earned a valuable point in Group D. A rare Gary
Neville goal and another from van Nistelrooy gave the Reds victory
back at Old Trafford later in the year.
Where do they play? Stade Gerland. Lyon plan to move to a new
stadium in 2010, but for now this 43,051-capacity stadium remains
their home.
How did they do in the group stages? Lyon are not as strong as they
were a couple of seasons ago. They lost their opening two games -
both 3-0 scorelines - to Barcelona and Rangers. But they recovered
well and were unbeaten in their next four games, including a 3-0
win at Ibrox to seal their passage to the Last 16.
Whos the boss? Former Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin. He lasted
just eight months at Fratton Park before being sacked for poor
results. Since taking over at Lyon in May 2007, Perrin has
continued the success of Gerard Houllier as Lyon, who have won the
Ligue 1 title six seasons in a row, currently remain top.
Whos their star man? Juninho Pernambucano. The Brazilian is a
tricky customer and a real goal threat. He already has three goals
from six group stage matches. Dangerous from set-pieces.
Any European history? Despite being tipped by some as potential
winners in recent seasons, Lyon have never got past the quarter
finals, although they are almost certainly the toughest side United
could face in this year's Last 16.
