Group E
With both teams having secured qualification for the knockout rounds, Lyon visit Real Madrid looking to ensure they top the group.
A point will be enough for Gerard Houllier’s team to advance as group winners thanks to their 2-0 victory against the Spanish side in the opening group game.
However, Madrid coach Fabio Capello, believes Lyon are in for a different contest this time round.
“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.”
“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 will be without the injured trio of David Beckham, Ronaldo and Cicinho, while Fabio Cannavaro faces a late fitness test on a slight thigh strain.
Lyon coach Houllier will be hoping his team can maintain their 100% record 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.
“But remember, this isn’t a second round or quarter-final game, it’s a game between two teams assured of progress.”
Houllier, who will be without Sylvain Wiltord, who has gastroenteritis, as well as Fred, Sidney Govou and Karim Benzema, remains upbeat.
“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”
Probable teams
Real Madrid:
Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Iván Helguera, Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Emerson, Mahamadou Diarra, Guti, Robinho; Raúl González, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Lyon:
Grégory Coupet; Anthony Réveillère, Cris, Sébastien Squillaci, Eric Abidal; Florent Malouda, Jérémy Toulalan, Tiago, Juninho Pernambucano; Loïc Remy, John Carew.
