Bordeaux vs. Lyon: CL Betting Preview

Lyon ran out comfortable victors in the first leg of the all-French quarter-final last Tuesday and I expect them to advance to the last four with something to spare. NFL jerseys

The winners of the tie between the two Ligue 1 clubs will face Manchester United or Bayern Munich for a place in the Madrid showpiece and it is hosts Bordeaux that have it all to do.

The clash at Stade Gerland eight days ago was much more open than anticipated and there could have been a greater number of goals than the four witnessed. Lisandro Lopez (two) and Michel Bastos were the men on target for Claude Puel’s side and Lyon will be confident of defending their 3-1 lead.

While Lyon continued their recent domestic resurgence with a 2-1 win over Rennes on the weekend to edge to the top of the table, Bastos scoring once again, Bordeaux’s hopes of successfully defending their crown were hit by a home loss to Nancy.

Laurent Blanc’s men have been impressive in front of their home fans this campaign but the recent signs are that Bordeaux are struggling to recapture their sensational early-season form and even the return of captain Alou Diarra is unlikely to be enough to see them overturn the deficit.

Lyon travel west possessing French football’s best away record and I’m happy to oppose the home team at a little over even money.

The prolific Lopez will miss out through suspension but French international Bafetimbi Gomis is likely to deputise and I see the visitors scoring.

Having showed enough about them to oust Real Madrid in the last 16, Lyon are tipped to progress to their second Champions League semi-final by securing at least a share of the spoils and an early away goal would virtually settle the tie.

The threat of the talented Marouane Chamakh in attack for the hosts is a concern, he drew the sides level in the first leg, but Lyon have tasted defeat just three times on the road this season and Puel and his players have enough experience to ensure they are not on the back-foot throughout and it could be a fairly routine night if they get off to a flyer.