Group E - 21 November 2006 3:45am - Santiago Bernabeu Stadium -
Madrid.
Madrid and Lyon jostle for
position
With both teams having secured qualification for the knockout
rounds, Olympique Lyonnais' visit to Real Madrid CF on Tuesday is a
battle for UEFA Champions League Group E supremacy.
Jostling for position
Should they take a point from the Santiago Bernabéu, Gérard
Houllier's men will advance as group winners thanks to their 2-0
victory against the Spanish side on Matchday 1. For Madrid coach
Fabio Capello, however, the team he puts out for the return game
will contrast sharply with the one that went down to the French
champions at Stade Gerland. "We have something different this time
around," Capello said. "We know we're a better side. We are far
more solid. But this match isn't about revenge, it is about a game
we will try to win."
'My best team'
Playing down the importance of topping the group, Capello added:
"The crucial thing is that we have qualified. Of course it's
important that we beat Lyon but it's not fundamental. People think
things will be easier if you finish top of the group so you can
play your first knockout phase game away and the second at home. We
don't necessarily think that way. Having said that, we're not here
to waste time and I'm picking my best team in order to take three
points." Capello, whose side triumphed by 3-1 against Real Racing
Club Santander on Saturday, will have to do without the injured
trio of David Beckham, Ronaldo and Cicinho, who all have knee
problems, while Fabio Cannavaro faces a late fitness test on a
slight thigh strain.
Perfect record
Lyon managed a 1-1 draw at Madrid in last season's group stage and
Houllier will be hoping his team can extend a marvellous record of
four victories without conceding a goal from as many Group E games.
"We are the only club with 12 points from a possible 12 and we
would love to win our next match," said the coach, whose Ligue 1
leaders won 1-0 at CS Sedan-Ardennes on Saturday. "But remember,
this isn't a second round or quarter-final game, it's a game
between two teams assured of progress."
Strength in depth
Although Sylvain Wiltord, who has gastroenteritis, has joined
fellow forwards Fred, Sidney Govou and Karim Benzema on the
sidelines, Houllier has confidence in the strength of his squad. "A
good team must adapt to these situations and Lyon are a good team.
We haven't left our best players at home, we have a lot of quality
with us and we are going to show that against Madrid." Florent
Malouda and Tiago were rested at the weekend but should both return
in the Spanish capital.
