A trip to Gerland last night for the 4th Champions league group game, one which OL absolutely had to win. And they did, just. All seemed set fair after 15 minutes, 2-0 up against Stuttgart with a couple of well-worked goals, but then the keeper failed to hold a 30 yard shot & les allemands pulled goal back, and suddenly OL were all at sea. A 3rd goal before half time might have settled nerves, but Stuttgart pulled another one back just after the break, then won a dubious penalty which seemed likely to do ruin the whole evening. But Vercoutre (1st choice Coupet has a long term injury) redeemed himself with a fine save, and OL just about managed to hold out till the final whistle. A 4th goal in injury time was just icing on the cake.
Until this week, France's two Champion's League clubs had been experiencing bizarrely contrasting fortunes. After a poor start, Lyon have returned to normal service in the domestic league and now sit comfortably on top of the table, though this year it might be said that this is due to the lack of opposition rather than OL being in great form. In la ligue des champions, on the other hand, disaster seemed to beckon, a 3-0 loss at Barcelone being followed by a 3-0 home defeat against Rangers. Not at all what les lyonnais are used to. However, the two wins against Stuttgart have kept them in with a chance.
In contrast, Marseille, feted as being likely contenders at the beginning of the season, have been in dire form in Ligue 1, currently languishing 3rd from bottom, manager sacked a few weeks ago. Strangely though, in the Champion's League, after the win at Anfield a couple of weeks ago, they were sitting pretty at the top of their group. Defeat at Porto on Tuesday has dented hopes somewhat but they are still in with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
And on Sunday, the two clubs meet at Gerland in the league. No predicting the result there...
