Lyon 2-2 Manchester City
Big moments call for big players and Sergio Aguero did that today for Manchester City.
With the Sky Blues appearing to be headed to another defeat against Lyon, the Argentine forward stepped up and scored the equaliser to power Manchester City through to the knockout stage and put them well in place to finish on top of Group F in the Champions League.
Lyon provided tough opposition for Pep Guardiola’s men, and they would rue the fact that they only managed a point in an encounter they largely dominated early in the second half.
Highlights of the game
Bruno Genesio’s Ligue 1 charges led twice in the game, but Manchester City battled back two times as well to share the honours in Groupama Stadium.
While the Champions League 2018 odds (particularly the ones at SBOBET) put Lyon as heavy underdogs, the French side came into the match with great confidence and more than proved that their opening day victory over the reigning English champions was no fluke.
After a goalless first half—a period which saw both clubs waste clear-cut opportunities—Lyon took control of the proceedings at the restart.
Just 10 minutes into the second, Lyon took the lead behind a Maxwel Cornet goal. Cornet, who also opened the scoring in their September win over the Sky Blues, was at it again as he fired a curler from the edge of the penalty area to give the home team the advantage.
Memphis Depay crossed the ball to Cornet from the left side and the Ivorian international used the space he got to convert.
Defender Aymeric Laporte brought the visitors back to life moments later, heading the ball after it bounced off David Silva following a Raheem Sterling free-kick. However, Cornet showed that he got a good read of the City defence as he put Lyon in front again.
Like their opener, Depay set Cornet…this time with a through ball that caught the City defenders by surprise. The 22-year-old Cornet, perhaps in revenge, beat Laporte before sending the ball past Ederson with nine minutes of regular time remaining.
With City’s back against the wall, they found their hero in Aguero who quickly responded with the call. The 30-year-old literally rose to the occasion to save his club.
Off a Riyad Mahrez corner, Aguero beat Lyon defenders Fernando Marcal and Marcelo Filho and headed the ball to the far left post. Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes, who was near the play, couldn’t do anything but watch the shot go in.
The victory ensured Manchester City remain leaders of the group, and Guardiola expressed his delight after they survived a Lyon squad which he described as “one of the toughest teams” they have ever faced.
“We are so delighted and so happy,” Guardiola said after the victory. “It is a big compliment for the team.”
“We played one of toughest teams we’ve ever faced. They are physical, strong, they counter-attack incredible. We reacted after 1-0 and 2-1 and we are in the final stages. This was our target.”
Key statistics
Aguero’s goal brings his overall season tally to 12 for Manchester City. He has eight in the Premier League and currently leads the team in scoring.
Meanwhile, playmaker and former Leicester City star Mahrez also took the Champions League 2018 highlights with his brilliant display. After his assist to Aguero, he has become the only player this season to be directly involved in five UCL goals for the team—four assists and one marker.
Even more remarkable, Mahrez’s assist tally is the most in the Champions League so far.
Lyon had 11 shot attempts (five on target), and they are undoubtedly frustrated that they didn’t get the win and the top place after getting so close. Nonetheless, they can take pride in the fact that they are the only undefeated team in the group.
Furthermore, the fact that Manchester City weren’t able to take them down in their two meetings in this round should give them added confidence as they try to secure the last remaining place to qualify for the last 16.
What’s next?
It’s back to the Premier League first for Manchester City. They are currently at the top of the table in the English top flight, and they have a chance to extend their lead when they play AFC Bournemouth this weekend.
Guardiola’s men have two more league games after that, against Watford and Chelsea, before taking on Hoffenheim in their final group game in the Champions League. They only need a draw against the German side to secure no.1 in the group.
On the other hand, Lyon return to Ligue 1 to play their scheduled matches versus Lille, Rennes and Toulouse. They will visit Ukraine after that to play Shakhtar Donetsk in a battle for the final qualifying spot.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
