Real Madrid v Lyon Champions League Betting

Wednesday night’s “other Champions League match” is one that is holding a lot of significance, as one of Spain’s giants have an uphill task. Real Madrid lost the first leg of their tie against strong French side Lyon. Lyon finished second in the group stage, behind Fiorentina, which sealed Liverpool’s exit from the competition. Now the plucky French, who, more often than not are a tricky handful to manage in the Champions League, hold a one-nil lead to take to the return leg in Madrid. Ahead of the first fixture, it was clear that the new Galacticos were not going to be in for an easy rise, and this was demonstrated perfectly in the first leg.

The final of the 2010 Champions League is at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, where Real Madrid play their home matches. They would love nothing more than enjoy the experience of the final on home turf, but first they have to overcome this tricky hurdle, against a Lyon side which have produced some incredible defensive displays recently. It has been 620 minutes in all competitions since Lyon have conceded a goal. That is roughly seven matches, and keeper Hugo Lloris has naturally played a massive part in that. Lyon are part of a trio of French sides, which are somewhat elevating the status of Ligue 1 around Europe. Naturally all focus is on the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga, but the likes of Italy, Germany and France really are not that far behind in terms of quality.

It has been over half a decade since Real Madrid have made the semi finals of the competition though, and for Lyon, the reading is worse. They haven’t managed to get past the last sixteen of the Champions League in their last three attempts. Lyon haven’t lost to Madrid in the Champions League, in fact they have been a bit of thorn in the side of the Spanish team’s ambitions, beating them out of top spot in the group stages twice before. Lyon have not lost a game in the Spanish capital, but Real Madrid have had success against French opposition already this year, when they beat Marseille in the group stages. They will be hoping to improve upon a record against French teams. The last three encounters against French sides in the knockout stages, have all ended in elimination for the Spaniards.

Lyon only need to stand firm at the back to squeeze their way through, and there is also the promise of an away goal. Lyon are a good away team, make no mistake about that, and while the stars of Real Madrid like Ronaldo will be trying to put on a show, the humble hard work of the French side, could well be their undoing. Lyon, who are putting pressure on Bordeaux at the top of the French league, have played their way into form, and if they put in one of their solid European performances, and not one of their lazy lacklustre ones, then there is every chance that they can get through this. A draw is simply good enough for them, and Lyon are good enough to achieve that in the Spanish capital on Wednesday night.

BETTING STATS

Head to Head
Lyon 1, Real Madrid 0
Real Madrid 2, Lyon 2
Lyon 2, Real Madrid 0
Read Madrid 1, Lyon 1
Lyon 3, Real Madrid 0

Last 5 Match Goals
Real Madrid: 17 For, 6 Against
Lyon: 8 For, 0 Against

Current Form
Real Madrid: W8, D0, L2
Lyon: W7, D2, L1

Win Percentage
Real Madrid have a 93.8 win percentage at home
Lyon have a 44.4 win percentage away from home

MATCH PRICES
Real Madrid to win: 1/3 at BetFred
Draw: 47/10 at Bwin
Lyon to win: 10/1 at Coral

Asian Handicap Advice: Lyon +1.50 Asian Handicap: 9/10 at Victor Chandler