My late night footy on the dvr last night was the Champions League qualifier between Lyon and Russian side Rubin Kazan. Rubin has made a name for themselves in Champions League play the last couple of years, including a win over Barca at Camp Nou two years ago.
Kazan got off a dream start though. By the third minute, they were already on their second corner of the night. Vladimir Dyadyun went unmarked and headed home the second one far post, which Lyon had left uncovered. The French team and crowd was stunned. Rubin fought hard the entire match, and gave Lyon all they could handle.
A lot of credit has to go to Lyon though. They really didn't let the goal phase them long term. Both Bastos and Gomis had excellent nights. In the 7th minute, Bastos just barely missed on a free kick, and Gomis equalized in the 10th. He volleyed home a brilliant early cross from Bastos and we were level at 1-1.
Lyon went further on the attack throughout the rest of the half. Lisandro, Gomis, and Bastos all had great chances. In the 40th minute, Gomis hit a shot in toward the goal and it was deflected in for an own goal by Kverkvelia. Lyon took the 2-1 lead into the half time break.
Both Rubin and Lyon put up a hell of a fight in the second half. Lloris made several big saves to keep Rubin from getting a second away goal. In the 71st minute, Briand managed to flick in a corner kick for Lyon to give them the 3-1 advantage, which they took the rest of the way.
Lyon played pretty well despite getting a great shot from Rubin. They were certainly more impressive than either Arsenal or Bayern Munich. However, they did give up the away goal, which keeps Rubin alive for the return leg next week.
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