Ligue 1 in the Champions League- Matchday 3

By: Sarah | October 20th, 2009

Champions League

It is that time again– the time where heroes are made and dreams are crushed (at least until the next game). But, seriously I think that games 3 and 4 of the group qualifications are the most important games in the competition. By important, I mean that they are the most critical moment in the whole competition to either build momentum for a long, successful campaign to the finals, are an opportunity for teams to turn the tide for a come back or they can solidify your team’s fate as a bottom feeder. And yes, my assertion that these games are the most important includes the finals– which I think tend to be overrated. In most finals (the Milan-Liverpool final is an exception), the players are so nervous and tired that they play horribly.

So, going into game 3 the Ligue 1 teams participating in Europe have accumulated mixed results. Lyon has managed to win their first two games against Fiorentina (1-0) and Debreceni (4-0) and is currently sitting a the top of Group E. Bordeaux are sitting on four points, drawing in their first game against Juventus and winning their second game against Maccabi Haifa. And it pains me to admit it, but OM are the least successful Ligue 1 team in the Champions League at the moment with zero points, having lost to both Milan and Madrid. But, what’s done is done– and now is the chance for teams to either shine and flop as we head into the homestretch of qualification.

Liverpool vs. Lyon

Lyon face their toughest competition in their group this week with a tough test against Liverpool. Liverpool have been struggling in both their domestic and European campaigns lately– having lost to Fiorentina in matchday 2 and their last three games in all competitions (coincidentally, the last time this happened was in 2005– the year they won the CL). Both teams are enduring a serious injury crisis. Lyon will be without Anderson (knee, calf, shoulder), Jean-Alain Boumsong (groin) and Mathieu Bodmer (groin); doubtful players includes Michel Bastos (ankle) and César Delgado (thigh). Liverpool will be without Fernando Torres (adductor), Alberto Aquilani (ankle), Andrea Dossena (groin), Sotiris Kyrgiakos (knee) and possibly Steven Gerrard (groin). When Lyon travel to Anfield, this will the third year in a row that a Ligue 1 team has competed against Liverpool in the group stage of the Champions League– Marseille famously won at Anfield two years ago, but OM couldn’t pull off a win in either group game last year.

Prediction: The injuries on both teams make this game interesting– and a little closer than one would expect (they do say to never count Liverpool out in Europe). Liverpool will be looking to make a statement and exploit home-field advantage. Liverpool will win 2-1.

For more information, check out the Offside-Lyon.

Bordeaux vs. Bayern Munich

Munich’s trip to Bordeaux will be their second successive year they have played a Ligue 1 team in the group stage of the Champions League. Last year they played Lyon, managing to get a draw (1-1) in game two at home and winning in Lyon (3-2). That win helped them finish on top of the group, while Lyon who finished second were forced to play Barcelona in the first knock out round. But, these are not the same teams– Bordeaux, though having a rough time as of late domestically, are the reigning champions and currently sit third in Ligue 1. Having lost their last two domestic games (1-0 against Auxerre and 3-1 against St. Etienne), Bordeaux will be anxious to make a statement early on. Bordeaux will also have their talisman Gourcuff back (he was injured during the St. Etienne game and came off the bench against Auxerre), which should boost the team’s confidence. Bayern are also experiencing trouble domestically– they are currently sitting in 6th place. They are expected to still have several key players out of this game, including Ribery, Olic, Breno and Braafheid. Though defender Martin Demichelis, Mark Van Bommel and Luca Toni will be available.

Prediction: A tough draw.

Make sure to check the Offside-Bordeaux for their match preview.

Zurich vs. Marseille

This game is literally try-or-die for Marseille. For more information, check-out my Offside-OM preview here.

Check back tomorrow for my Europa League Preview!