Lyon vs Dinamo Zagreb preview - Underdogs Dinamo ready for Lyon test

Posted Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by PA

Lyon play their 100th Champions League game on Tuesday, but Dinamo Zagreb are not planning on making it a night to remember for them.

The Croatians are back in Europe`s premier club competition for the first time in 12 years and, despite an opening-round defeat to Real Madrid, are confident of making an impression, according to midfielder Milan Badelj.

Dinamo are the rank outsiders in a group that also contains Ajax, but Badelj is intent on his side making their presence felt.

"We came into our group from the fourth pool of clubs so we are already the outsiders," he told www.uefa.com.

"However, we would not be playing if we did not believe in ourselves and we hope to surprise these big teams. We will give everything and let's see where that can take us."

Their chances have not been improved by a number of injuries, though, with the likes of Igor Biscan, Leandro Cufre, Arijan Ademi and Mehmed Alispahic all on the sidelines.

Added to that, Lyon could welcome star striker Lisandro Lopez back after a month-long absence, while playmaker Yoann Gourcuff (ankle) could also play a part.

Lyon`s Dejan Lovren swapped Dinamo for Les Gones a year ago and, having come through the grades with the 22-year-old, Bedelj is looking forward to catching up with his old friend.

"Yes, I saw him with the national team," Bedelj added.

"He knows it is not going to be easy for them. However, he is confident they will win the match, although I am certain that will not happen! We've joked about it. Let's wait and see what happens."

Having been in Ligue 1 action three times in the last eight days, Lyon could be forgiven for being slightly jaded ahead of the game, but manager Remi Garde insists they are relishing the challenge.

They saw off Bordeaux 3-1 on Saturday night, and Garde is looking forward to tackling Dinamo.

"This is the result of hard work and a good collective state of mind," he said.

Lyon scored early against Bordeaux and had the game wrapped up by half-time and Garde added: "It`s nice to be able to lead fairly quickly and then manage things, especially when you play every three days.

"We were able to achieve progress early in the game and then manage our thinking ahead of the Zagreb match."