While Benfica’s Champions League challenge remains on the edge of a knife, Olympique Lyonnais are rather better placed to qualify for the knock-out stages, yet the visiting side have a hatful of problems, which should give the Encarnados hope that they could score an important victory.
Jorge Jesus’ side, who are the defending Portuguese Liga champions, started their campaign in dreadful form. Three of their first four domestic games were lost, allowing Porto to get a massive jump on the Lisbon side in the league, and in Europe a great deal of ground has to be made up after 2-0 defeats against Schalke and Lyon.
After the loss in France a fortnight ago, which was partly precipitated by a daft red card for Nicolas Gaitan, Jesus confessed that he was impressed by OL’s up-tempo pressing style of play, which coaxed unusual errors from his players. Nevertheless, he certainly retained hope for the return fixture.
“We have certainly not lost hope of advancing because our defeats have come away from home,” the coach explained, confident after an opening day success over Hapoel Tel Aviv.
If Benfica are to progress, then they’ll likely have to win on Tuesday at the Estadio da Luz, else matters will probably be out of their hands as second placed Schalke are expected to overcome the Israelis.
Difficult Times
Olympique Lyonnais, who play their 100th game amongst Europe's elite on Tuesday, have endured a difficult start to their campaign, despite boasting three wins from a possible three in the Champions League. Les Gones have been anything but convincing in the league, yet they have steadily moved up the Ligue 1 table over the last month, stringing together a number of victories.
Such were the problems that OL were suffering, president Jean-Michel Aulas had to state publically his backing for general manager Claude Puel last Thursday after an extra-time defeat in the Coupe de la Ligue by Paris Saint-Germain. Aulas cited a recent improvement in the club’s league form and their excellent European record as his reasoning for sticking by Puel.
Lyon may have improved results-wise of late, but their performances remain at a thoroughly mediocre level compared to their lofty standards. At the weekend they hosted a Sochaux side who had not won a point in Ligue 1 away from home all season, yet les Lionceaux gave OL a far tougher game than Puel would have hoped, though the home coach did praise the young players he brought into the side for their enthusiasm.
The likes of Clement Grenier and Alexandre Lacazette are liable to be used a good deal more in the immediate future too. Les Gones presently have an intimidating list of selection problems, with injuries to Michel Bastos and Lisandro Lopez at the weekend adding to their not inconsiderable list of woes.
Tuesday evening’s clash is therefore a huge test for Lyon, who would book their place in the knock-out stages with a win.
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Benfica
Oscar Cardozo is the big injury absentee for the hosts; he has damaged knee ligaments and won’t be able to feature. Ruben Amorin, Luis Filipe, Fabio Faria and Roderick are the other player sidelined.
Nicolas Gaitan is suspended after being dismissed a fortnight ago.
Lyon
Lyon have far greater injury problems. Lisandro Lopez won’t play for the best part of a month due to a calf injury, while were are serious doubts over Michel Bastos’ participation after he was withdrawn early at the weekend, apparently suffering from a thigh injury. The attacker has indicated that he is much better and expects to play.
Jeremy Toulalan has been ruled out, as has left-back Aly Cissokho. Jean II Makoun makes a surprise appearance in Claude Puel's 20-man squad though.
Cesar Delgado and Ederson are long term issues, though the former is getting closer to action.
Prediction
Lyon overcame Benfica easily a fortnight ago, but they were aided greatly by their guests’ indiscipline. With home advantage and a considerably healthier squad than les Gones, the Portuguese club should fancy their chances of picking up maximum points and rekindling their Champions League hopes.
Benfica 2-0 O. Lyon 
