14 September 2006, by Sean Gillen

Tiago strikes as Lyon outplay Real Madrid

Lyon 2-0 Real Madrid

Portuguese midfielder Tiago was on the scoresheet for Lyon as the French champions produced an outstanding performance to beat Real Madrid at the Stade Gerland. Lyon boss Gerard Houllier admitted being “very proud” of his side after a thrilling first half display saw the home side tear the Madrid defence to shreds.

Lyon beat Real 3-0 in the Champions League last season, and any signs of the Spaniards taking revenge diminished as the home raced into a two-goal lead in the first half hour of the Group E match in France.

Brazilian striker Fred latched onto a pinpoint long-range pass from compatriot Juninho to lob Madrid keeper Iker Casillas and give his side the lead on 11 minutes.

After several more chances for the likes of Florent Malouda and Sidney Govou, Portuguese international Tiago made it two in the 31st minute. Great play by Govou saw the winger beat Roberto Carlos and tee up the former Benfica man, who beat Casillas with a low finish.

A shambolic Madrid performance should have been punished with more goals, particularly in the first half, but Lyon ultimately settled for a two-goal win to start their Champions League campaign in perfect fashion.

After the match, Lyon coach Houllier paid tribute to his side: “This was an outstanding performance on our part. We ended up with a 2-0 victory but we could have won by a much bigger margin.”

“Tonight I was very, very proud to be the coach of Olympique Lyonnais especially during the first half which was nearly perfect.”

“This Madrid team was better than the one of last year but we also played at an exceptional level and I think we have confirmed that we can be better than last year - my team has grown. We believe in ourselves and our quality and will continue to progress.”

Lyon play Steaua Bucharest in Romania in two weeks time, with Tiago likely to find himself up against countryman Carlos in the Steaua goal.

Lyon:
Coupet, Reveillere, Abidal, Muller, Cris, Toulalan, Tiago, Juninho (Kallstrom, 73), Malouda, Govou (Clerc, 82), Fred (Wiltord, 77)
Yellow Cards: Revelliere (38)

Real Madrid:
Casillas, Cicinho, Roberto Carlos, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, Diarra, Emerson, Beckham (Guti, 55), Raul (Robinho, 69), Cassano (Reyes, 45), van Nistelrooy
Yellow Cards: Sergio Ramos (32), Roberto Carlos (47), Cannavaro (61), Diarra (91)

Goals:
[1-0] Fred, 11
[2-0] Tiago, 31