Recent comments made by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas had football fans excited over the return of the UEFA Champions League. Given that lovers of the beautiful game eagerly await the resumption of Europe’s premier club competition, Aulas sent everyone into overdrive when he claimed a date had been set for their clash with Juventus.
This 2nd leg round of 16 tie, which was originally scheduled for March 17, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. He claimed UEFA had set August 07 as the new date for their return fixture with the Serie A champions, having beaten them 1-0 in the first leg at Parc Olympique Lyonnais on February 26.
However, much to the disappointment of the fans, the club moved quickly to dismiss this claim by their own president. The French side put on a statement not long after Aulas’ allegation, revealing that there is no truth to his words.
“Olympique Lyonnais would like to affirm that the date of Juventus v OL, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, has not yet been confirmed, contrary to what has previously been stated,” their statement read.
“The date of the Round of 16 fixture is expected to be set as part of the Champions League schedule, to be announced directly by UEFA in the near future.”
While a confirmation from UEFA might have not yet arrived, it is believed that they are targeting a return in August. European football’s governing body gave the utmost priority to completing the domestic leagues but remain keen on wrapping up the 2019/20 Champions League campaign.
