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Real Madrid tipped to reach knock-out stages tonight with first victory in Lyon

Angela Asante, November 2 2011,
The Stade de Gerland is definitely not Real Madrid’s favorite ground. However, Los Blancos certainly have what it takes to make things work against Olympique Lyon tonight.
Real Madrid are heading to the Stade de Gerland with the sole desire of winning.
Real Madrid are heading to the Stade de Gerland with the sole desire of winning.
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Related Articles: Karim Benzema, Jose Mourinho, Stade de Gerland, Olympique Lyon, Real Madrid
Real Madrid have experienced defeat at the Stade de Gerland so many times. They are yet to clinch victory at that venue but their marvelous form—both in La Liga and in the UEFA Champions League—could inspire them to a breaking of the Lyon curse.

The Spanish giants have not conceded a goal in Europe and they’ve taken maximum points from their first 3 matches. Olympique Lyon, meanwhile, have only scored twice so far and they are 5 points adrift Real Madrid.

“We want to defeat Olympique Lyonnais because doing so would qualify us for the next round and we'd practically be group leaders for sure,” Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho declared during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“The important thing is what we did last year, eliminating them for the first time; and also a fortnight ago, defeating them again. These two victories make it easier to forget about the past. Our objective is to win in order to qualify.”

Karim Benzema will be under the spotlight during the match considering the fact that he was formerly a Lyon player. Looking forward to the Olympique Lyon vs Real Madrid encounter, the 23-year-old told the press:

“It's always special for me to return to Lyon because I grew up here. Tomorrow's match will be important to all, not just me. Everyone wants to win the game. People here know me well, but I'd like to surprise them.

“Lyonnais have made good use of their skills in every encounter. We drew here last year and it was a good result.

“We want to change history tomorrow by winning at Gerland. The atmosphere will again be wild and Lyonnais always pull rank when they face Real Madrid as locals.”

Karim Benzema, who made 150 appearances for Olympique Lyon, scored for Madrid in a 1-1 draw in France last season. The French striker is 8 goals shy of hitting the 50-goal mark as a Blanco. He is poised to play alongside Gonzalo Higuain in attack tonight.

Meanwhile, influential midfielder Kaka won’t take part in the game. Like Arbeloa and Marcelo, Kaka was excluded from Real Madrid’s 20-man squad due to injury. Jose Mourinho rather picked up fringe players Meijias and Carvajal.

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, Tomas Mejias

Defenders: Ramos, Carvajal, Albiol, Varane, Pepe, Coentrao

Midfielders: Ozil, Di Maria, Xabi Alonso, Callejon, Lass, Khedira, Granero, Altintop

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema

Olympique Lyon vs Real Madrid

Date: Wednesday, 2 Nov 2011
Time: 15:45 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Stade de Gerland (Lyon)

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