Lyon vs Juventus result: Five things we learned as Lucas Tousart gives Champions League edge
1) Atmosphere sends Lyon to deserved win
Although Juventus were poor for most of the game, the French side deserve credit for their victory. In what was a tight and tense affair, Lyon worked tremendously hard to defend their one goal lead, whilst remaining dangerous on the counter-attack. They were firmly on top throughout the course of the game, and as such were worthy of their home win. The intimidating atmosphere at the Groupama Stadium helped the minnows on their way to their first ever win over the Italian champions.
2) Juve’s defensive problems continue
Not many Juventus teams have struggled with this problem in the past, but the current side cannot seem to keep a clean sheet at the moment. Tousart’s goal means it is now just one clean sheet in the last 11 games in all competitions for the Old Lady. At the heart of that defence is Matthijs de Ligt, the £77m signing who just about every major club chased in the summer. However, the Dutchman has struggled since signing from Ajax in the summer, and he looked poor and out of place tonight.
3) Lyon did not miss Dutch star Depay
Despite the absence of one of their key players, Memphis Depay, who will be out for the rest of the season, Lyon coped well without the Dutchman. Depay has been a key figure in the French side since his move from Manchester in 2017, particularly in the Champions League where he has contributed six goals and four assists since the start of last season. But Houssem Aouar and Karl Ekambi have stepped up to the task in Depay’s absence and looked dangerous all game long, constantly causing problems for the Juventus backline.
4) Zonal marking is not working for Juve
Tonight’s game was yet another example of Juve’s failed switch to zonal marking. Maurizio Sarri’s change from Maximilliano Allegri’s traditional man marking style simply has not worked. Leonardo Bonucci has publicly stated that the shift has been challenging and difficult for the side and it was evident tonight. Juventus made it too easy for Lyon from set-pieces and the French side were unlucky not to double their lead. It is difficult to see why Sarri would go in and change the defensive tactics in a side which have always been known for their formidable defences over the years.
5) Quarter-final spot remains wide open
Lyon’s impressive performance means that it is all to play for in the second leg at the Allianz Stadium. The French side will be looking to build on their display at home as they look to cause an upset in Turin and progress to the quarter-final for the first time in 10 years. It will be a tough ask for Lyon though, against a Juventus side who have reached the final on four occasions. The Italian champions will be looking to bounce back from their below par performance in France and reach the last eight for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
