The Real Deal

Jose Mourinho had a majestic home record as a manager even before he rolled up at Real Madrid; now it’s in the realms of sensational. He hasn’t lost a league game on his own turf ,with any team, in the past nine years. This season, Madrid have played 21, won 21 at the Bernabeu. Is it any wonder that nobody gives Lyon a prayer as they head to the Spanish capital, tied at 1-1?

To make matters worse, the French side are nothing special away from home themselves these days. In their domestic league they have only triumphed one more time than they have lost on their travels this campaign, and they never go anywhere remotely comparable to the Bernabeu as it is!

Former Lyon favourite Benzema had the temerity to score when returning to his old stomping ground in the first leg and another brace in La Liga last weekend ensured that his confidence will be sky-high for the return. If ‘Los Blancos’ needed any further encouragement Cristiano Ronaldo is also poised to make his comeback from injury on Wednesday.

The flip side would be that Madrid have faltered at this stage of the competition in each of the past five seasons. Furthermore, Lyon are very much a bogey side for Madrid, having ruled the roost over them for several years; it was they who knocked the Spaniards out in the last 16 a year ago. But this is all history; it will only drive Real on harder knowing that they have a few old scores to settle. Most importantly of all, they have Mourinho now, for whom Lyon hold no fears. I expect to see a convincing Madrid tomorrow, and a 2-0 win for them would be about right. WilliamHill provide the value on that scoreline at 6/1.