Time zone: US/Eastern | Register | Login
Search:

Real Madrid vs Lyon: 5 Tips For Real Madrid To Reach The Quarterfinals

Isaac Asante, March 15 2011,
Real Madrid will have a chance to break their Last 16 curse in the Champions League when they face Olympique Lyonnais, and Live Soccer TV suggests 5 tips that Real could follow.
Real Madrid vs Lyon: Jose Mourinho will have to decide whether to make Cristiano Ronaldo start or not (picture)
Related Content:

Real Madrid
Olympique Lyon
Related Articles: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, Iker Casillas, Emmanuel Adebayor, Real Madrid, Olympique Lyon

Real Madrid Tip #1 vs Lyon: Being Ready To Make Surprises In The Line-Up

Everybody certainly expects Coach Jose Mourinho to fill in his strongest squad against the French giants, in an attempt to seal his side’s authority at the Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday evening. As a result, Cristiano Ronaldo, along with Karim Benzema and a host of other instrumental Madrid players are anticipated to start; nevertheless, a bit more courage from the Portuguese manager could really turn things around in an interesting way.

Most at times, the very first minutes of a game are used by teams for adaption, and discovery of strategies. The opening moments in fact influence most of an encounter’s remainder, and the Real Madrid boss could actually take advantage of this plain fact—yet, in a smart manner.

 

From Mourinho’s point of view, fielding in an “incomplete” side empowered by a persistent and efficient style of play could well be a considerable idea to weaken Olympique Lyonnais physically—before sending in his best fighters to finish off the work that is currently yet to be complete. Obviously, the execution of such a plan would mean taking a lot of risks, but taking risks is not always a negative thing. It will then be up to the Real Madrid coach to think positively and carry out the right plan—regardless of how uncomfortably Spanish fans accept it.

Real Madrid Tip #2 vs Lyon: Using The Fans As An Extra Weapon

The Bernabeu Stadium is one of Europe’s largest football arenas, and when big events occur, it surely isn’t empty. On Wednesday evening, around 80,000 supporters will be adding heat to the battle, and the majority of fans are very much likely to be on Real Madrid’s side. Eventually, they could be a strong additional force.

The massive effect of excessive vocal support from exponents in stadiums has repeatedly been exhibited by FC Barcelona during their top games at the Nou Camp. A bit of imitation from the “Real Madrid Family” is advisable, as it could attract the needed result.

Emmanuel Adebayor is optimistic ahead of the Real Madrid vs Lyon match in the Champions League.Quote from Emmanuel Adebayor: "We’ll need to play as if we had 12 players on the pitch. The crowd (at the Bernabeu) has to be our 12th player. Many fans will be there, and I expect them to make us feel their fierce support for us.”

Quote from Jose Mourinho: “The crowd must also play. I've been told the Bernabeu crowd plays with its team when the moment of truth arrives. Tomorrow is the moment of truth.”

Real Madrid Tip #3 vs Lyon: Using Time Wisely To Score

As we all know, the achievement of scoring early can be extremely profitable—especially in huge clashes. In some cases though, it rather strengthens the trailing side, which ends up snatching a rude comeback.

In Real Madrid’s situation, it would be wise for them to maintain their rhythm throughout the match while regarding every single minute as the tie’s last. A combination of endurance and timeliness should be enough, since after all, what will matter in the end will be the amount of goals scored, as well as the number of goals conceded—if they net or allow any.

Real Madrid Tip #4 vs Lyon: Avoiding Cards

Van Persie’s recent controversial red card should definitely serve as a harsh example to Los Blancos prior to their game against Lyon. Of course, one might think that controversy at this level is not supposed to have its place in football; yet, the sport is not prepared for any major improvement in the officiating area. This hence means that anything could happen in the Real Madrid vs Lyon match, and the Spanish giants are well aware about that.

Therefore, it will be important for the hosts to strictly restrain their play well within the boundaries of decency. This will not only prevent the French titans from benefitting from evitable set-pieces, but also will it help the Real Madrid squad ahead of further encounters in the Champions League—in terms of player eligibility.

Iker Casillas will be expected to make a lot of saves in the Real Madrid vs Lyon match in the Champions League.Real Madrid Tip #5 vs Lyon: Playing with boldness

Clearly, it is almost impossible to play with authority in a tough challenge without having self-belief and courage. Boldness, when associated with support, is a quality which tends to damage the fighting spirit of oppositions. During El Clasico, this characteristic is very much required to survive, and this time—against Lyon in the Champions League’s Last 16—Madrid will have to employ this attribute once again to greatly reduce the pressure on the pitch.

Will they manage to secure a narrow qualification to the quarterfinals by taming Olympique Lyonnais at home? No matter how strong the French prove to be, Real need to remember that a 0-0 draw will be sufficient to progress into the next stage, whilst a 1-1 draw will extend the match to extra time.

Quote from Jose Mourinho: “We will play to finish at least 0-0 because it's enough to reach the next round. We expect Casillas to make a lot of saves.

“We know how they (Lyon) play. We are ready for them. This is very exciting."

Real Madrid vs Olympique Lyon

Date: Wednesday, 16 Mar 2011
Time: 15:45 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid)

Related Articles

Member Sign In »

Username Password
Forgot Password | Remember
Not a Member Yet? Register Now