Manchester City vs Olympique Lyonnais 16/08/20

16 August 2020

Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais go head-to-head at the Estádio José Alvalade in the revamped UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The clubs were paired together in the 2018/19 Champions League group stage, with Lyon avoiding defeat in both clashes despite a -1 ‘handicap’ (W1, D1).

It’s been a pretty straightforward continental ride for Manchester City so far, as they remain one of three sides yet to lose in the Champions League this season (W6, D2). The Sky Blues finished top of Group C, seven points clear of second-placed Atalanta, and then ousted Real Madrid in the round of 16 after winning both legs via the identical 2-1 scoreline. Notably, all six of their European wins this term have seen Pep Guardiola’s side score over 1.5 goals, with four coming despite a -1 ‘handicap.’ It’s only their fourth appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the last two resulting in elimination. Also, City have recorded partial success in their two UEFA ties against French clubs thus far (W1, L1).

Meanwhile, Rudi Garcia’s side endured mixed fortunes in Group G (W2, D2, L2) but still managed to progress as runners-up to RB Leipzig. Despite being given slim chances in their last-16 tie against Juventus, ‘Les Gones’ secured the Champions League quarter-finals’ birth for the first time since 2009/10, on the away goal rule (1-0 H, 1-2 A). Notably, a 2-1 return-leg loss to Juve now means 12 of Lyon’s last 16 Champions League fixtures have seen both teams score, with ten producing over 2.5 goals. The Ligue 1 giants have, however, failed to overcome English adversaries in both of their UEFA ties in the 21st century. But, Lyon can take some confidence from the fact they’ve lost only one of their previous eight clashes against Premier League clubs (W4, D3).