Benfica vs Lyon preview - Les Gones ready to go

Posted Tuesday, November 02, 2010 by PA

Lyon will run out at Benfica's Estadio da Luz knowing a victory will secure their place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.

Les Gones are defending a 100% record in Group D, including a 2-0 win over the Portuguese side a fortnight ago.

Their Ligue 1 form has also shown signs of improvement after a dismal start to the season, with Claude Puel's men now sitting ninth following a run of three wins in four matches.

A 2-1 result over Sochaux at the weekend gave the players a further lift, and defender Cris wants to see them carry that performance onto the European stage.

"There are still things to fix," the Brazilian told www.olweb.fr. "But things are going well and I know it will all come together.

"We are pleased with that victory, now we must think about our next Champions League match."

Puel, who has come under close scrutiny in recent weeks because of their Ligue 1 position, hopes the weekend success has not taken too much out of his players ahead of the trip to Lisbon.

"We are tired," he said. "Those three points were gained by force.

"However, I'm hoping the win will give us some get up and go because it was a good result."

The victory has already come at a cost for Puel, with striker Lisandro Lopez ruled out for three weeks with a thigh injury, while Michel Bastos picked up a knock and is doubtful.

Jean Il Makoun is also carrying an injury and Miro Panjic is troubled by a hamstring strain.

Benfica lie third in the group standings with just one win so far - at home to Hapoel Tel-Aviv - and need maximum points to keep alive their hopes of a top-two finish.

They warmed up for the European encounter with a 2-0 victory over Pacos de Ferreira, which ensured they remain second in the domestic Liga.

Coach Jorge Jesus has few injury worries ahead of the visit of Lyon, although midfielder Ruben Amorim and striker Oscar Cardozo are both victims of knee injuries.