Diarra in line for Lyon return

Real Madrid CF signing Mahamadou Diarra will face his old side Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Champions League after the two teams were drawn together in Group E in Monaco on Thursday evening.

Diarra return
Diarra completed a €26m move to Madrid from the French champions just two days ago and can contemplate a return to the Stade Gerland as part of Fabio Capello's new-look Madrid lineup who have also been paired with FC Steaua Bucuresti and FC Dynamo Kyiv. Lyon met Madrid in Group F last season and Diarra played in both matches as the Ligue 1 club won 3-0 in their opening fixture before drawing the return 1-1 en route to topping the pool. Steaua are back in the group stage for the first time in ten years while Dynamo, defeated by Madrid in the quarter-finals in 1972 and 1998, return after a 12-month absence.

Predrag Mijatović, Madrid sporting director
We remember the defeat by Lyon last season and are well aware of their potential. We know Lyon will make things very uncomfortable for us and that they can play some great football. I know Steaua very well, because I was born in Montenegro and they were not far away. They have suffered in the last few years, but they are still one of Europe's big clubs and have the trophies and the history and we will have to be prepared. Every year Dynamo Kyiv are in Europe and they have great experience.

Anatoli Demianenko, Dynamo coach
I think this is one of the most complicated groups. I can't name a favourite. Each team, no matter how big the name, has its strengths and weaknesses. This is why we'll first study Real, Lyon and Steaua to have a plan for each game. It's no secret that in such a tournament, psychological preparation comes first. We're confident in ourselves and with all due respect, we will play only for victory.

George Becali, Steaua owner
My first dream came true when we qualified for the group stage. The second came true when we were drawn in the same group as Real Madrid, because I have always wanted to play against Real in Bucharest. I don't have any fears. We have achieved a big goal. Anything is possible. We have nothing to lose, only to win, and I'm confident. It's excellent that we're not in the same group as [FC] Barcelona or Chelsea [FC]. If we had been, we wouldn't have had any chance. But as it is, it's possible.

Claudio Caçapa, Lyon captain
We can get through this group. Real will be stronger than last season, but I'm delighted we'll see Diarra again. I think he'll tell them a lot about us. I'll call him tonight! I know a little bit about Dynamo but nothing at all about Steaua.