7 December 2006, by Sean Gillen

Second-string Lyon concede home draw

Lyon 1-1 Steaua Bucharest

Steaua Bucharest produced an impressive performance to come away from group winners Lyon with a point after having the better of the chances at the Stade Gerland. Steaua progress to the UEFA Cup, while Lyon were already guaranteed top spot before the match.

The French champions fielded a weakened side, although Portuguese midfielder Tiago was given a run out in midfield as he looks to shake off a stop-start last month because of injury.

Steaua took the lead after just three minutes, and it was no surprise that star man Nicolae Dica was the name on the scoresheet. Sorin Paraschiv crossed into the box and Dica was given far too much time. He controlled well before brilliantly volleying into the bottom corner.

The lead lasted just nine minutes, however, as Lyon got back on level terms with Alou Diarra’s first for the club since his summer move from Lens. Kim Kallstrom’s well-delivered corner was met by the head of the unmarked Diarra, and Steaua goalkeeper Cornel Cernea had no chance as the ball flew past him.

The Romanians went close to re-taking the lead immediately through Cyril Thereau, before Lyon began to find their stride, dominating possession without creating much in the way of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

Radoi threatened again for the visitors shortly after the restart, and Banel Nicolita fired over as Lyon struggled to cope with their opponents.

Kallstrom and Ben Arfa had attempts on goal as Lyon grew into the half in much the same way as they had done in the first period, and boss Gerard Houllier showed his intent to win the game by introducing Sylvain Wiltord and Jeremy Toulalan.

However, Steaua held out for a memorable point, while Lyon maintain their unbeaten record in this season’s competition.

Lyon:
Coupet, Reveillere, Berthod, Cacapa, Muller, Diarra, Tiago (Toulalan, 65), Kallstrom, Govou (Remy, 80), Ben Arfa, Carew (Wiltord, 64)
Yellow Cards: Cacapa (61)

Steaua Bucharest:
Cernea, Stancu, Ghionea, Goian, Marin, Radoi (Petre, 78), Paraschiv, Cristocea (Oprita, 82), Dica, Nicolita, Thereau (Badea, 73)
Yellow Cards: Dica (30), Paraschiv (35), Radoi (66)

Goal:
[0-1] Dica, 3
[1-1] Diarra, 12