PSV primed for return leg

Phillip Cocu scored a late equaliser to give PSV Eindhoven the initiative in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais as the Dutch side secured a valuable draw in France. But the home team dominated for much of the match and their coach Paul Le Guen was left lamented his player's inability to convert "numerous opportunities" after Florent Malouda had given them a 12th-minute lead. Le Guen admits that PSV now have the advantage after a concerted second-half effort from the visitors while his PSV counterpart Guus Hiddinkalso believes that "Lyon are no longer favourites" and commended his midfield for controlling the game in the second 45 minutes.

Paul Le Guen, Lyon coach
It was a very good European match tonight. We played with a great deal of solidarity and created numerous opportunities to score, [Sidney] Govou stands out in particular, but could not convert. Technically Lyon were good, even in the second half, and we played with heart. We tried to stop PSV from playing their natural game and we succeeded, it's just a pity they scored so late on. I think Lyon can turn it around in the second leg but they now have the advantage. Obviously, we'll not give up and go to the Netherlands as determined as ever to fight hard for the win.

Guus Hiddink, PSV coach
It was a game of two halves. We started the match well but soon lost our composure as we sought other ways to attack Lyon before some weak defending allowed PSV to break the deadlock. But we turned it around in the second half, took our time and picked out the free player and then when we got our chance we took it. Lyon's midfield were much better in the first half but we controlled it more after the interval, especially [Ji-Sung] Park. He's a complete midfield player, as good in attack as he is in defence. We've undoubtedly taken a big step towards the semi-finals, although we know we'll still face a good team in the return leg. But Lyon are no longer favourites. They don't travel well and we're aware of this.

Juninho Pernambucano, Lyon midfield player
We played a very good match but the score did not reflect that. PSV have succeeded 100 per cent but I'm confident for the return leg because tonight we weren't really troubled until PSV scored late on.