France in the Champs League: Lyon and Roma can’t muster nuthin’ but cards

By: Sam | February 21st, 2007

Nothing doing in Olympique Lyonnais’ first leg of the round of 16. In a packed Stadio Olimpico in Rome this Wednesday, it was not Juninho nor Totti who would make the difference, but the English referee Michael Riley. As the saying goes, “When in state of boredom while officiating a Champions League match, hand out a yellow card every eight minutes.” The video is below.

The closest Lyon got to gaining the advantage was as early as the eighth minute, when Juninho, always effective on set plays, delivered a fine free kick, which Taddei went and clipped onto his own post past Doni, who had just about no chance at all. Coupet also showed off his skills at the half-hour mark, when he grasped the ball off a tricky free kick redirection. (Offside? Wouldn’t have counted if it had went in? Pshaw.)

The last few minutes of the half offered a yellow card apiece, and a decent save from Doni off Tiago’s shot taken from the top of the box. The booking score at half: 4-2 in favour of the Romans.

Four minutes into the second half, Lyon’s Jeremy Toulalan was booked after a challenge on Totti. This will result in his absence from the return leg in Lyon in two weeks time. Fifteen minutes later, Coupet made a fine save off Totti’s foot, which set the stage for Juninho’s free kick, which taken from long range, almost surprised Doni, but nevertheless didn’t change the score.

On sixty-seven minutes, the stats were showing that the Romans were monopolizing ball posession by 68%. That wouldn’t change a thing, however a few minutes from time, the Italians completed the trifecta when Totti provided their third booking for attempting to decieve the referee.

Who’s got the edge going into the second leg? Roma, because of the away goals rule? Lyon, because of home field advantage? The sad thing is, we can count on a timid game since the players won’t want to be suspended for an eventual quarter final.

AS Roma vs Lyon Highlights
envoyé par FootballHeaven