Lyon hosted Liverpool on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in the UEFA Champions League. Liverpool has lost 6 of 7 matches and is looking to get a much needed win to improve their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage. Lyon is undefeated in the group stage entering the match and looks to continue their good form. Here’s a recap of the match along with video highlights.
Liverpool draws with Lyon 1-1 – Video Highlights
1st Half
The match started out slow as neither team had any great chances early. The best chance early came to Fernando Torres of Liverpool who had a shot from in the box but it was right at the goalkeeper. Liverpool would get several chances early including a shot from Dirk Kuyt that was just saved by the goalkeeper. Lyon did not have a great start to the match and kept giving up chances to Liverpool.
Once again, Liverpool had possession and chances but struggled to convert any of them. Lyon would pick up their play as the first half neared the end but neither team was able to score. It would remain 0-0 but could have easily been a Liverpool lead if they were able to convert some chances.
2nd Half
Both teams looked a bit cautious, especially Liverpool, who could not afford a loss. The absence of Steven Gerrard in the midfield is very noticable as he’s been a consistent goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League. Liverpool rarely was able to Torres and get him many touches.
Liverpool almost scored in the 69th minute as the Lyon defense scrambled and it was just cleared off the line. With the chances Liverpool were having in the match, they should have scored on at least one. Lyon came back in the 71st minute with a free kick on goal that forced Pepe Reina to make a save.
Lyon had a chance in the 79th minute as Lisandro had a shot on a counterattack that just went wide. Most of the French club’s best chances were off free kicks but continually failed to get them on goal. Finally, Liverpool would find the goal they needed late in the match as Ryan Babel scored on a great shot. Babel had the ball outside the box, took a touch, and hit a wonderful strike that just went under the crossbar. The goal came in the 83rd minute and kept Liverpool’s knockout stage chances still alive.
Lyon would not concede the match and fight back to tie it up. A ball was headed into the box as a Liverpool defender fell down and Lisandro was unmarked with the ball. He had only Pepe Reina to beat and did with a shot just under the crossbar as it was now 1-1. The goal came in the 90th minute and would be the last of the match.
Liverpool appeared to be back from life support with a 1-0 lead but they now have to win their final matches and hope for other results to go their way.
| SCORING SUMMARY | |
| Lyon | Liverpool |
| Lisandro López (90) | Ryan Babel (83) |
| MATCH STATS | ||
| Lyon | Liverpool | |
| Shots (on Goal) | 15(5) | 11(6) |
| Fouls | 14 | 23 |
| Corner Kicks | 2 | 5 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 5 | 4 |
