26 February 2020
Lyon claimed first leg advantage in the Champions League Round of 16 as they recorded 1-0 win on home soil against Juventus at Gourpama Stadium. Lucas Tousart scored the only goal of the game, leaving it all to play for in the return leg at Allianz Stadium on 17 March.
LYON STUN JUVE
The kicked-off to an electric atmosphere and Juventus nearly silenced the home fans early on when Cristiano Ronaldo curled in a delightful ball into the far post in which Cuadrado couldn’t get onto the other end of. Lyon’s first chance came in the 21st minute of action when their corner was whipped into the box and turned onto the crossbar by Toko Ekambi. Lyon laid on a series of attacks, and Juve needed the interception of Matthijs de Ligt as he beat Dembele to a dangerous ball and headed it away. Juventus were then temporarily reduced to 10-men when de Ligt required medical care after sustaining a terrible head wound. Lyon took advantage of the numerical superiority and they grabbed the lead through Tousart in the 32nd minute when he got onto the end of Aouar’s ball and prodded it home from six yards out. The goal spurred extra life into the hosts, and they threatened at Tek’s goal when Ekambi beat Bonucci and fired at the near post, only to see it kiss the side netting.
JUVE PUSH BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH
Into the second half and the Bianconeri came out looking for an early equalizer through the delivery of crosses inside the box and through set-pieces. Maurizio Sarri opted for a change just after the hour mark as he introduced Ramsey into the mix, replacing Pjanic. Juventus then started to up build-up play in a patient manner, but the final touch was missing as Dybala blasted wide of goal from just eight yards out. That then allowed for Higuain to come on in place of Cuadrado for the final 20 minutes of play, while Bernardeschi took the place of Rabiot seven minutes later. Dybala’s volley from range was fired high of goal, while Higuain turned his header wide of goal. The Bianconeri pushed for a late equaliser and that crucial away goal, but it didn’t come even after Dybala had put the ball int the back of the net, only for it to be blown offside.
Juventus XI: Szczesny; Alex Sandro, de Ligt, Bonucci, Danilo; Rabiot (Bernardeschi 77’), Pjanic (Ramset 61’), Bentancur; Ronaldo, Dybala, Cuadrado (Higuain 69’)
Substitutes: Buffon, De Sciglio, Ramsey, Matuidi, Higuain, Rugani, Bernardeschi
Lyon XI: Lopes; Marcal (Tete 77’’), Marceo, Denayer; Comet (Andersen 81’), Aouar, Tousart, Gomez Soares; Dembele, Ekambi (Terrier 66’)
Substitutes: Tatarusanu, Andersen, Terrier, Traore, Mendes, Tete, Caqueret.
