Lyon need to play higher-risk soccer against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final today to improve their chances of reaching the final, striker Lisandro Lopez said.
“The team must completely change its attitude,” Lopez said. “We must have a more positive approach.”
Both teams will be weakened by injuries and suspensions, with Lyon missing Jeremy Toulalan and Bayern without Franck Ribery after both were sent off in the first leg. Bayern central defenders Martin Demichelis and Daniel van Buyten face a race to prove their fitness, while Lyon has doubts over defender Cris and winger Michel Bastos.
Bayern midfielder Danijel Pranjic is also suspended, and Bayern coach Louis van Gaal is without midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, who stayed home because of an upset stomach. Defender Diego Contento is also doubtful.
“Just like Daniel van Buyten, [Contento] took a knock and we can’t say if he will be able to play,” Van Gaal said yesterday. “They have traveled with us, but we will see a bit later on if they are in form.”
Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger said Saturday’s draw at Borussia Moenchengladbach took its toll, while Lyon’s game against Monaco was postponed.
“There were a few injuries, while Lyon could prepare calmly for this match,” Schweinsteiger said.
Ribery’s pace and trickery are crucial to Bayern’s style and captain Mark van Bommel said the winger will be sorely missed.
“It is a disappointment for us that Franck can’t play,” Van Bommel said. “He is one of the best players in Europe.”
Although Lyon coach Claude Puel is known for his methodical approach, he thought his team was overly cautious in the first leg.
“We played with the handbrake on. But we still have our chances for the return leg, even though it would have been good to score away from home,” Puel said. “We went to [Real] Madrid and qualified and now we will go and do it at Stade Gerland. I prefer this kind of scenario, because you play your best football when you need to get a result.”
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