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The return of the UEFA Champions League for the knockout stage of the competition threw up a tantalizing contest between Spanish giants Real Madrid and French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon, playing in front of an adoring home crowd at the Stade Gerland for the first leg produced a mild upset, winning 1-0 courtesy of a wonder goal by midfielder Jean II Makoun in the opening moments of the second half. While Lyon would have obviously loved to have carried more than a goal advantage to the Santiago Bernabeu, they would be delighted to have not conceded an away goal which could prove crucial in two weeks time.

Manuel Pellegrini fielded his usual star-studded line-up opting for the now very fashionable 4-3-3, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain featuring in attack. Former Lyon superstar Karim Benzema had to be content with a place on the bench alongside Real Madrid legend Raul. Sergio Ramos featured at centre back in the absence of the injured Pepe, with Spanish international team mate Raul Albiol for company. Another Lyon old body Mahamadou Diarra, who had only started 10 games for Madrid in the last couple of seasons, was given a surprise berth in midfield ahead of French international Lassana Diarra.

Lyon gaffer Claude Puel named a strong squad which despite not having common household names featuring for the Galacticos, were always more than likely to produce a solod workman-like performance. Lisandro Lopez led the line with Cesar Delgado and Sidney Govou providing the attacking threat from midfield. Miralem Pjanic was employed as the creative force with Jeremy Toulalan and Jean II Makoun providing cover for the back four.

Hard work was the name of Lyon's game tonight, as they kept the pressure on Madrid for the entire duration of the game, denying them time and space to showcase their party tricks. Few chances fell to either side in the first half, with neither Iker Casillas nor Hugo Lloris being unduly troubled. Sidney Govou caused a couple of minor problems early on for the visitors, once when he slammed the ball into the side netting and again when he fired high over the crossbar. Higuain had half a chance to score, when a sublime flick by Ronaldo set up the Argentine striker in front of goal, but the Lyon defenders got across and closed him down in a flash.

The visitors dominated possession for most of the half, but had precious little to show for it. They also gave away far too many fouls in their half of the field, and Pjanic, who must have got some tips from Juninho before his departure from the French side, gave Madrid a few shaky moments with his pin-point set-pieces. About ten minutes from the interval, an unmarked Lisandro Lopez got his head to the ball, but it only went as far as Casillas' hands. Around the 40th minute mark, the home team had the best chance of the half, when Cesar Delgado sent a thunderous volley crashing against the post. Pjanic caused a few more problems with his free kicks, but the score line remained goalless at half time.

Barely two minutes into the second half, the home side went ahead thanks to a fabulous long-range strike by Makoun. The Cameroon international did not see much of the ball before or after that goal, but he did more than enough in that moment of inspiration. Makoun picked up the ball near the half way line and put his shoulder down and ran straight at the Milan defence, with no one coming forward to close him down, the midfielder decided to put his foot through the ball and it cut across Casillas into the top corner.

Lisandro had an excellent opportunity soon after, when a horrendous kick by Casillas sent the ball straight to the Argentine target-man. He was put under pressure by the Madrid defenders and his resulting effort went wide.

Around the hour mark, Ronaldo had a go from distance, and his deflected shot was curling towards the left corner, forcing a superb finger-tip save from Hugo Lloris. Minutes later, a breathtaking passage of play ensued with both goalkeepers playing a pivotal part. Lisandro set up left-back Aly Cissokho, who fired at the target but Casillas reacted very well to deny him. The visitors then charged forward after retrieving the ball, and Higuain ran into the Lyon penalty box with Toulalan snapping at his heels. Higuain's shot was blocked by another great save by the Lyon custodian.

Madrid, desperate to take an away goal back to the Bernabeu, piled on the pressure in the final twenty minutes. Ronaldo and Benzema (who came on for Higuain) both had half-chances but failed to capitalize. Sergio Ramos had a good look when he got his head to the ball from a Madrid corner, but he sent his glancing effort over the crossbar. Kaka attempted to release Granero with a through ball, but Cissokho came in full-stretch with a superb tackle to send the ball out for a corner. Los Blancos kept at it, hoping the home side would tire and relent, but the Lyon defence stood firm to hold them back.

Even with a one goal advantage, defeating Real Madrid at home will be no mean feat, but after a highly spirited and disciplined performance tonight, one wouldn't put it past the French side to pull off a major upset.

Teams:

Olympique Lyonnais: Lloris, Cissokho, Cris, Boumsong, Reveillere, Makoun, Toulalan, Pjanic (Kallstrom 79'), Delgado (Bastos 89'), Govou, Lopez (Gomis 81').

Real Madrid: Casillas, Marcelo (Garay 46'), Albiol, Ramos, Arbeloa, Diarra, Alonso, Granero, Kaka, Ronaldo, Higuain (Benzema 63').

Final Score: Lyon 1-0 Real Madrid

File Photograph Copyright: Ryu Voelkel