As soon as I told my friends (either via msn messenger, sms or mobile) that Olympique Lyonnais (better known as Lyon) is paired with Italian giant and six times winner of the Champions League AC Milan, their immediate response was “AC Milan will win! Sure!”
But as for my personal point of view, I do not really agree with them. Heavy weights are no more absolute winners in European competitions.
Last two seasons in Europe, Milan could beat heavy-weights such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Manchester United etc… But they had trouble with up and coming teams like Deportivo La Coruna, Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven. Milan lacked pace, patient and hunger like them. Especially, they had the tendency to be over-confident whenever they met with them.
Even Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani warned his team that "Lyon is a great side. People shoould not underestimate them just because they do not have a prestigious history. But their recent results are clear: they have won the French league four times in row and they are going to win again this year.”
Milan has an experienced squad. And they have players such as Kaka’ and Shevchenko who could change the course of a match within a minute. But they were “invisible” when they were beaten by Deportivo and Liverpool. It means there are tactics to control them.
Moreover, in Europe, the most important attribute is your defence. The Past two recent winners of the Champions League’s main tactic was “Defensive.” Milan has againg defenders. When they face young, pacey and up coming players, their defence could its lose patience and concentration and be drawn to make mistakes
It is true! In terms of record, Lyon has very good advantage. Although they have never meet before, Milan’s record in France is not good. They lost five out of their eight trips there. And do not forget that Lyon beat Milan’s city rival, Inter Milan, before in Milan (2-1) in 2002/3 Champions League group stage.
I think now is the time for Lyon to follow the footsteps of Deportivo and Liverpool. Milan is beatable! Milan has ageing defenders. They even had big trouble against PSV ducklings last year and with Schalke this year.
I want to watch how Maldini, Cafu, Stam will control Lyon’s fast and creative players like Malouda, Juninho and Carew.
People will argue with me that “Milan beat Bayern 5-2 on aggregate. So why not to Lyon?” My answer is “Yes! Bayern has history. But they are being shadow of themselves. German football is moving downwards. And they do not have exceptional players such as Juninho and Malouda.”
Moreover, Milan had trouble with Schakle and PSV in this year Champions League group stage. Both of teams are not as strong as Lyon.
Being the quarter finalist for past two consecutive seasons, champions in French the League for four consecutive years, reaching, at least, the semi-finals is the exact reward for Lyon. They deserve to be there! I believe they have enough experience and hunger. A lot of football journalists and fans have commented that “this year Lyon is better than last two years.” The team is better prepared and improved defensively. Lyon Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet said, "We still like going forward but these days we also keep it tight at the back.”
I bet Lyon can definitely beat Milan. All they need to do is be patient and keep their feet on ground. I say again “Milan is beatable!” They have an ageing squad. Go! Go! Bravo Lyon! Now its time to reach semi-final.
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