Thursday 27th August 2009
Gamble pays off for Lyon
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas believes his team's emphatic Champions League victory over Anderlecht was just reward for their spending.
Argentina striker Lisandro Lopez, a 24 million euros summer recruit from Porto, notched a first-half hat-trick in Brussels last night as a 3-1 triumph completed an 8-2 aggregate romp to secure Lyon's place in the group stages.
Aulas said: "It's a convincing win and very satisfying.
"(Coach) Claude Puel and his players did not show signs of nerves. With this victory, we become the first French team to come and win here in Anderlecht.
"For the 10th consecutive time, we will play in the Champions League (group phase).
"Only four or five teams in Europe have done better. The coach has been innovative, and this victory rewards risk-taking in investment.
"Lisandro is a perfect example - an incredibly effective player. I am also very happy for the fans who made the trip.
"Now we'll try to do France proud. For the draw, we'll be in the second pot, while Marseille and Bordeaux will be in the third."
Coach Claude Puel was equally delighted with his team's ruthless display in Belgium.
He said on the club's website: "We did what we needed to do, and did it well. I am satisfied because it is not easy to get through a preliminary round. It was two fine performances.
"We got our foot on the ball and then Lisandro managed to convert the chances. We won the game the right way - with commitment and quality."
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