Champions League 07/08 Matchday 2- Lyon 0-3 Rangers (Stade Gerland)

[Andygers]

I know its a little bit away but I just want to know your thoughts about the game.

I think if we are on our game we can get a draw.

So I will say Lyon 1-1 Rangers :)

[Andygers]

DARCHEVILLE PLOTS LYON DOWNFALL

Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville believes there could be no better time to face Lyon after claiming the French champions are at their most vulnerable.

Rangers take on Lyon at the Stade Gerland in their second Champions League Group E fixture on October 2.

Gerard Houllier left Lyon at the end of last season, to be replaced by former Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin, and the club have also seen stars such as Eric Abidal, Florent Malouda, Alou Diarra and Tiago Mendes depart.

Darcheville scored Rangers' winner against Stuttgart on Wednesday night, and then set his sights on the Lyon clash.

"If we could beat them in the next game it would give us a big advantage in the group," he said.

"They lost a lot of important players in the summer and I believe we have a really big chance of beating them in the next game.

"Their 'keeper, Gregory Coupet, is out injured at the moment and you have to consider the effect that has on their all-round defence."

Lyon were beaten 3-0 by Barcelona on Wednesday, and Darcheville, 32, will be relishing his return to France.

He left Bordeaux on a free transfer during the summer to move to Ibrox and the Frenchman has settled in well in Glasgow.

He admits his preference is to play with a strike partner but accepts Rangers boss Walter Smith will use him as a lone attacker in some European games.

"For me it is better to play with two strikers, but it is the gaffer's decision," Darcheville said.

"You've got to work really hard when you're in that role but I know how important it was to get a good result against Stuttgart and I was more than happy to stick with the plan." Source- Sporting life.com

[B-Town Rovers]

I thought Rangers were over their head in this group, but after watching them win, I think they have a "slight" chance to get into second and go to knockout stages.
Plus Celtic lost so what in the world could be better?

I say Rangers 2- Lyon -1 (both goals by Beasley)

[Andygers]

^ well wouldn't that be a great score...but I doubt Beasley will score but Darcheville will ;)

[B-Town Rovers]

I'm a HUGE fan of Beasley since he's American, and I've never been much of a Celtic fan, again though, if Rangers play their A game, no reason why they couldn't defeat Lyon.

[Andygers]

Yeah I agree if we play to our best we can steal a win.....Beasley is okay for us actually he has done quite well but Walter Smith has already said our European tactic is 4-5-1 with Darcheville being the lone striker.

[B-Town Rovers]

Aw, that hurts my heart. It seems like a defensive formation, am I right? I never like a team going into a game play full defense in hopes of a draw.

More good news is that Lyon looked rubbish against Barca.

[Andygers]

Aw, that hurts my heart. It seems like a defensive formation, am I right? I never like a team going into a game play full defense in hopes of a draw.

More good news is that Lyon looked rubbish against Barca. Well 4-5-1 never done us any harm against Stuttgart and look at the quality of the teams in our group we cannot go gung-ho against one of the best teams in the world, the French champions and the German champions.

[Vic]

I think Lyon will win this clash, they've the advantage of playing at home.

2-1 Lyon

[Andygers]

^ Dam i don't want to be negative so I will completely ignore that prediction Vic :D

I think 2-1 will be quite bad although it would be the logical scoreline.

Man I cannot wait till this game....I love the champions league!!!!

[B-Town Rovers]

We all love the CL. I'll be pulling for Rangers though, forget Vic :lol:

[Andygers]

We all love the CL. I'll be pulling for Rangers though, forget Vic :lol: Yep everyone loves it....thanks for the support. lol i think Vic is just trying to annoy me :D

[Andygers]

Any Lyon fans around come and give your prediction

You can do it even if you are a neutral!!!

Only 10 days to go cannot wait :D

[B-Town Rovers]

So since you said that Rangers are going with a lone striker, where is Beasley going to play or is he probably not going to start?

[Andygers]

So since you said that Rangers are going with a lone striker, where is Beasley going to play or is he probably not going to start? He will probably start on the bench or play on the wing as he does in the SPL...but a lot of people round here think Novo is better on the wing. Beasley is a great player on his day but when he is not achieving then we have a problem on the wing but I still have faith in him.

[B-Town Rovers]

Alright, thanks. I really hope he plays because I love watching Americans on the pitch, that's why I love watching Fulham. Haha...take care Andy

[Andygers]

^ Thanks Lucas you too!!!

I seriously don't think Beasley will start come to think of it because our midfield was quite strong against Stuttgart and didn't feature him until the latter stages of the game.....this is how we will line up providing there are no injury's

-----------Mcgregor--------------------------------

----Hutton---Celluar---Weir---Papac-----------------

--Whittaker--Hendami--Ferguson--Thomson--Novo--

-----------Darcheville--------------------------------

One change from the side that beat stuttgart....Novo in for adam.

All I can say is COME ON RANGERS!!!!! :thumbsup:

[Andygers]

After going to the Rangers game and watching Lyon tonight, I am convinced we can actually win over there. I thoroughly thought that Lyon would win tonight but they were pretty disappointing, on the other hand Rangers put Aberdeen to the sword in the second half , we were fantastic. And that was with changes from the victorious side on Wednesday.

I don't know what it is but there is something telling me that we can win. Lyon are not the team they once were and we should try and make them look weak.

Your thoughts ??????

[Andygers]

Anyone Watching this game....I am :D

If we can get three points and barca win then we are at a mighty advantage over Lyon and Stuttgart....Lets do it!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andygers]

I think Lyon will win this clash, they've the advantage of playing at home.

2-1 Lyon I really cannot see Lyon winning...they are in terrible form at the moment and I think we can play them for a draw or even a win.

[Saraj Fanático]

Lyon is looking to put the barca loss behind them and the Rangers are just on top of the world looking to make it even further. Its been an amazing year for Scottish football with both national team and clubs all just doing extremly well. So I won't doubt a Rangers victory.

[Andygers]

Lyon is looking to put the barca loss behind them and the Rangers are just on top of the world looking to make it even further. Its been an amazing year for Scottish football with both national team and clubs all just doing extremly well. So I won't doubt a Rangers victory. I must agree, Rangers were fantastic against Stuttgart and Lyon have been pretty poor....If Barry Ferguson is on form then we could even win the match :)

[Saraj Fanático]

Don't get to ahead of your selfs man. This is still Lyon. French champs. However I love the way the Scots always go for it all. And it works! More people should learn from you. Vs France the world expected an easy French win yet you go in there confident and win it. And the same thing with Rangers vs Stuttgart. Now I think your current format is the best possible choice at the moment. Lyon will be throwing everything it has.

[Andygers]

Don't get to ahead of your selfs man. This is still Lyon. French champs. However I love the way the Scots always go for it all. And it works! More people should learn from you. Vs France the world expected an easy French win yet you go in there confident and win it. And the same thing with Rangers vs Stuttgart. Now I think your current format is the best possible choice at the moment. Lyon will be throwing everything it has. Yeah I am getting ahead of my self...but I'm still on a high after the Stuttgart. Yeah we do now have a great attitude and lets hope we go over and win in France.

The Barcelona games will be mental....we won't get anything out of them :sad:

[Andygers]

Only 5 days to go....WOOO!!!!!

No injury news for us not so sure about Lyon

Any thoughts??????

[Andygers]

Lyon Coach: I Wish My Stars Were like Ferguson

LYON manager Alain Perrin last night branded Ibrox skipper Barry Ferguson "a captain to kill for" and revealed he wished he had players like him in his squad.

Rangers' Champions League rivals have had a stuttering start to their season and their boss is under fire from the French press following their opening Euro defeat to Barcelona.

In-fighting in the Lyon camp - with Sydney Govou clashing with Juninho over the stand-in captaincy in the absence of injured Gregory Coupet - has not helped Perrin. Now he wants his more experienced stars to take a leaf out of Fergie's book.

He said: "Barry Ferguson is simply a fabulous leader, the kind any team would kill to have. His influence is everywhere.

"There has been an issue of leadership in my team since the injury to Gregory. But it's not about the captaincy, it's about players taking full collective responsibility.

"We don't have someone like Ferguson who has that attitude running through his veins." Source- Daily Record.com

[Andygers]

DAMN!!!!!! Jean-Claude Darcheville is out for the match after picking up a hamstring injury in the match vs Motherwell today.

Cousin is the most likely to start but I don't think he will do the same job as Darcheville would. Damn my day is ruined :sad:

[Andygers]

Anyone else got an opinion on the game ahead?????

I'm sticking with 1-1 :)

Your thoughts???

[())__Green__))>]

i always liked Lyon, i love the way they play
even though this is not the same old Lyon that beat Real Madrid both years in the group stages like a year or two years ago but they are still dangerous.. benzema is a good player
never the less.. Scotland has been doing extremely well in Euro 2008 this year and so have Rangers
you guys supported us in Uefa Cup, and i will hope that Rangers pull off a win
Plus a Bosnian is playing on your team which is a bonus :D

Full Time :

Rangers 1:0 Lyon
(Saša Papac '62) :D

good to see he is getting first team football and how well he is doing with Rangers

[Andygers]

^ :D thanks for your prediction

Sasa papac has been well meh ok.....he does his job but he isn't really that great.....Sarajevo still have a good chance of going through.....I agree lyon are not the team of old but are still a force

[())__Green__))>]

yeah but with your main striker darcheville out
that will be a tough game ahead for you guys
and especially since its in Lyon
you can never expect what Lyon will pull off
first they might be sucking and they come back and beat most teams in the group stages
they are a very unpredictable side
but Rangers have been on a roll this year, i think that Rangers will continue their form
because you need to get as many points from Lyon and Stuttgart as you can because when you guys play Barcelona.. a draw is good enough to pass you guys through to the next round because Barcelona are too dangerous
they are a good team but hope for the best for you guys even with Barcelona
i will most probably end up switching back and forth from watching the Fenerbahce - CSKA Moscow match and the Rangers - Lyon match
those two matches i really want to see more than the other ones because the rest are boring

[())__Green__))>]

Lyon told to put points on board
Monday 1 October 2007Match preview by Matt Spiro from Lyon
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Lyon coach Alain Perrin wants a confidence-boosting win against Rangers (©Getty Images)

Lyon coach Alain Perrin wants a confidence-boosting win against Rangers (©Getty Images)Olympique Lyonnais coach Alain Perrin is calling for a committed performance against Rangers FC as the French title-holders strive to bounce back from their heaviest UEFA Champions League defeat in history at FC Barcelona.

Barcelona blow
Lyon are yet to find their customary swagger this season following a summer of change, and a 3-0 reverse at Camp Nou on Matchday 1 was hardly the start Perrin had wanted in Group E. The result and display contrasted vividly with the club's stylish opening-day victories against Real Madrid CF in their previous two campaigns, prompting Perrin to demand a swift improvement. "When you have only six games it's very important to secure points early," the former Olympique de Marseille trainer said.

Scotland comparison
"We wanted to get a point in Barcelona but failed, so we must now beat Rangers to boost confidence and improve our position." Perrin remains on his guard, however, pointing to France's surprise UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying defeat by Scotland last month as an example of what might happen if his men are below par. "This match will be very similar to France-Scotland," Perrin predicted, adding: "Only the result will be different.

'Organised and committed'
"I was at the Parc des Princes and was already wondering how we might break Rangers down," he continued. "They'll be well-organised and committed just like Scotland and we'll need to match their determination. But if we do that and play at a high tempo, using our speed on the flanks, we have a good chance."

Benzema threat
Kader Keita and Sidney Govou will be asked to provide that width, with in-form striker Karim Benzema leading the attack. Benzema's ninth goal of the season helped Lyon beat RC Lens 3-0 to go top of Ligue 1 on Saturday, with Perrin describing the game as an ideal rehearsal for Rangers: "Lens were organised and defended in numbers yet we succeeded in breaking through. Rangers will be even tougher but we'll try our best to find cracks in their armour."

'Difficult game'
A draw would leave Rangers well-placed given the Scottish side's victory against VfB Stuttgart a fortnight ago, and their manager Walter Smith hopes to capitalise on any lingering uncertainty in the home camp. "Lyon made one or two changes in the summer, including the arrival of a new coach," said Smith, who masterminded the first of Scotland's two EURO successes over Les Bleus last October. "It takes time for new players to settle, but we're still expecting a difficult match.

Darcheville doubt
"All European away games represent big tests for us in terms of defending well and launching attacks from defensive positions. We'll just try to get as good a result as possible." Smith must choose between Daniel Cousin and Kris Boyd for the lone striker's role after Jean-Claude Darcheville sustained a hamstring injury in Saturday's 1-1 stalemate at Motherwell FC. Darcheville has travelled with the squad but is rated as "really doubtful" to feature against Lyon.

[Andygers]

i will most probably end up switching back and forth from watching the Fenerbahce - CSKA Moscow match and the Rangers - Lyon match
those two matches i really want to see more than the other ones because the rest are boring Good news for you....the CSKA-Fener game starts at 17:30 GMT and the Lyon-rangers game starts at 19:45 GMT :)

[())__Green__))>]

Good news for you....the CSKA-Fener game starts at 17:30 GMT and the Lyon-rangers game starts at 19:45 GMT :)

:D
i wont have to miss much then
but i just hope that the Rangers stream works so i can watch the game
because for Fenerbahce, i can always watch and it gives me no problem
just i hope that the Rangers - Lyon one works as well

[Andygers]

:D
i wont have to miss much then
but i just hope that the Rangers stream works so i can watch the game
because for Fenerbahce, i can always watch and it gives me no problem
just i hope that the Rangers - Lyon one works as well Where are you getting your streams????

[Saraj Fanático]

I love Papac. He is such a stable player. Always does well for the NT. I cannot believe that for a second I forgot Sasa player for the Rangers. What the hell is wrong with me? hehe.

Tomorrow is the time to shine.

[Andygers]

About an hour to go until the match

Any final thoughts?????

[())__Green__))>]

RANGERS 1:0 LYON

Rangers got away with a half-time scare after Juninho's freekick hit the bar!!!
what an intense game

[())__Green__))>]

Where are you getting your streams????

sopcast :)

[())__Green__))>]

Rangers Survive Juninho Scare And Its 2:0 Rangers!!!
:D

[())__Green__))>]

Beasleyyyyy!!!!
3:0 For Rangers!

[Vic]

lol what's going on with Lyon??

Rangers toys with em at the moment

[())__Green__))>]

Barcelona 2:0 Stuttgart
Rangers are tied for first with Barca
so now Rangers have Barca next and hopefully Rangers can keep up their amazing performance going against Barca
but you guys are through no matter what after todays performance :D

[())__Green__))>]

Juninho Again His Shot Is Denied By The Post!

[B-Town Rovers]

I just got out of class and saw the score :clap2: GO RANGERS

[())__Green__))>]

everyone expected Lyon to win or a draw if anything
but good to see Rangers win this game
and i am happy about that i liked supporting them in this match even though i always liked how Lyon plays aha
they are a good team

[())__Green__))>]

its official

RANGERS 3:0 LYON

Bring On Barcelona!

[Andygers]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lyon 0-3 Rangers :faint2: :faint2: :faint2: :faint2: ....am I dreaming????

We were outstanding!!!

COME ON THE GERS!!!!

[())__Green__))>]

Rangers were just brilliant!

[Centarfor9]

andy is this win as good as the win against france?

[())__Green__))>]

hahaha Scottish Football is beating the French football ehh
the French will be very mad at the Scottish ppl :p

[Andygers]

andy is this win as good as the win against france? well not really but it is up there because you have to remember Lyon were not the 2nd best team the world as France were. However it is in the top 5 matches I have ever witnessed :)

[())__Green__))>]

thats good news
Lyon are in a big mess now, 0 points.. 6 goals against and 0 goals for
seems impossible for Lyon to get back on track now
i would say Rangers and Barca fight for that 1st place
i would like to see Rangers beat them like they beat Stuttgart and Lyon
you guys better prepare for a fight with Barca.. 0 goals conceded, you guys might be the ones who end that streak :p

[Andygers]

thats good news
Lyon are in a big mess now, 0 points.. 6 goals against and 0 goals for
seems impossible for Lyon to get back on track now
i would say Rangers and Barca fight for that 1st place
i would like to see Rangers beat them like they beat Stuttgart and Lyon
you guys better prepare for a fight with Barca.. 0 goals conceded, you guys might be the ones who end that streak :p Yeah I suppose but I live in Scotland where if the NT beat Brazil 6-0 we would be worrying about a game against Latvia in two months time!!! As far as I'm concerned Barcelona will beat us twice but if we can take 4 points then I think we can go through :)

[())__Green__))>]

yeah Barcelona gave like they said
if Rangers can get a good result then that is just a bonus to what they have accomplished
main goal is to fight hard ofcourse and not to let Barcelona scare Rangers just like that
anything is possible and Rangers have shown that tonight
i hope that Rangers can beat Barcelona as well, but its going to be a hard fight but the matches against Stuttgart and Lyon after that should be good enough to send you guys through

[Saraj Fanático]

RANGERS ARE INCREDIBLE!!! I nearly passed out when I saw the scoreline. Congratulations!!!!! IN Lyon!!! You defeated them in their house!...with 0-3!!!....what!!....arrggghhh......you crazy Scott's!!!! :D :D :D

[Sema]

Congratulations to Rangers! Amazing Performance. Rangers will get first place in this group :D.

[Centarfor9]

on eurosport they had them second 5:1 goal difference and Barca i think had 5:0 goal differential

[Andygers]

^ Yeah Barcelona are top on Goal difference but we will be top after the double header :D

[Centarfor9]

^ now you are going to far with that

[Andygers]

Hey I was kidding but Imagine if we do....man how good will that feel!!!!!

[Saraj Fanático]

I think Rangers will defeat Lyon at home and maybe draw Stuttgart away which will be enough to advance.

[Andygers]

^ I must agree if we can get 4 points from the last 2 games then that will be enough to see us through, but that's assuming we get nothing from the Barcelona games........

[Saraj Fanático]

Okay maybe a draw vs Barca at home.. ;)

[Andygers]

:lol: I think I would be flying if we got a draw against Barcelona especially because I'm going to that game :D

[Saraj Fanático]

^ Have a great time man. Must feel great to see Ronaldinho, Eto, and Henry. I wish I can do the same! I seen Henry (Bosnia vs France) but really seeing Barca is just crazy!!! Take some pics perhaps for us.

[Andygers]

Yeah it will be great and I might take some photos....man I am longing for that match

sure right it will be great to see all those players on show but I would rather see them having a poor game so that we can win :D

[())__Green__))>]

thats good :)
but Andy can you tell me a little about the Rangers fans, because i am curious... like are they fanatics/hooligans or just kinda laid back?
and how many barca fans do you think will be coming to play in your guys' stadium??

[Andygers]

We aren't hooligans far from it but we have a slightly racist past but we are trying to work on getting rid of that.

@ the Barcelona fans I think there will be about 2,000-3,000 but rangers will have 20,000 fans in the game at the nou camp :)

[())__Green__))>]

hahahah this will be an intense match
the games today were all so boring and i didnt even feel like watching them
maybe Schalke - Rosenborg and good to see Schalke beating them
but i cant wait for Rangers - Barcelona
Rangers are playing amazing this year.. great defence
Sasa Papac made a few good saves in the back against Lyon
and today Celtic beat the European Champs 2:1
haha i bet you are so angry?

[Andygers]

Nah i'm not angry because what Celtic in the CL do is nothing to do with us......Just about to open the Rangers-Barcelona thread :thumbsup:

[Andygers]

Did anyone else see Juninho's blatant dive against us????? It seems its been the week of cheating Brazilian's :rolleyes:

Basically for Juninho's dive Rangers defender Davie Weir now is one yellow card away from a suspension which means he is walking on a tightrope to avoid missing key games vs Stuttgart and Lyon.

I think he is a lucky boy to be let off by UEFA