Real can end Lyon hoodoo

Lyon hold the Indian sign over Real Madrid going into Wednesday night’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash at the Bernabeu (Real 3/10, Draw 4/1, Lyon 8/1 – match betting) but now the time is right for Los Galacticos to justify favouritism and earn their first win against the French giants.

Real had been closing in on a first win at the Stade de Gerland three weeks ago after former Lyon striker, Karim Benzema (7/2 to score the first goal on Wednesday), scored what could be a vital away goal in the 65th minute, just 60 seconds after coming on as a substitute.

However, Lyon were able to salvage a draw thanks to Bafetimbi Gomis’s goal seven minutes from time and they do have history on their side going into the return fixture.

Lyon have made three previous trips to the Spanish capital and on each occasion the match has finished all square, although they will know that they need to score at least one goal to stand any chance of progression to the quarter-finals (Real 5/6 to keep a clean sheet).

The clubs were drawn in the same group in both the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons with Lyon dominating at home, winning 3-0 and 2-0, with the reverse fixtures finishing 1-1 and 2-2.

And at this stage last year, a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu ensured Lyon’s progress following a 1-0 home win in France.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored Real’s goal last term and has been in sensational scoring form for the nine-times winners of Europe’s elite competition, but he remains a doubt for tomorrow’s clash after suffering a thigh injury in the 7-0 win over Malaga in La Liga.

However, the Portugal ace’s availability is not the deciding factor in this contest as Real, who have been eliminated at this stage in the last six seasons, have become a different beast under new boss Jose Mourinho.

This time of course Real take the French side back to the Bernabeu on level terms and on their own soil they have a hugely impressive record.

Real have won all 14 games they have played at the Bernabeu in the Spanish top-flight this season, a home record even Barcelona have to envy, while they won all three group games in the Champions League without conceding a goal.

By contrast Lyon, who are not the dominant domestic force they once were, have struggled on the road in Europe this term, losing their last two after a 3-1 victory at Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Benfica edged a seven-goal thriller before Schalke dominated in a 3-0 rout, while Lyon have also failed to progress from six previous European ties when they have drawn the first-leg at home.

Mourinho also has a great record against French opposition with eight previous wins and only one defeat in 11 meetings, including a 4-2 aggregate win over Lyon as Porto boss in 2003/04.

Lyon do have a great historical record against Wednesday’s opposition but given their record this season and the fact they have to score, Real can use their dominant home form to reach the quarter-finals quite comfortably (Over 2.5 goals 4/6).

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