Lloris salutes improving Lyon

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes Olympique Lyonnais are hitting their best form at exactly the right time after hailing the UEFA Champions League victory against Real Madrid CF as "the best performance of the season".

The seven-time French title-winners have not been at their dominant best in Ligue 1 this term, yet they continue to shine in Europe's elite club competition, producing an excellent performance at the Stade de Gerland to claim a 1-0 advantage in their first knockout round tie. Jean II Makoun's wonderful strike two minutes after half-time ensured Claude Puel's will travel to the Santiago Bernabéu on 10 March full of hope of making the quarter-finals for a fourth time.

"We're very satisfied with the win, even if we know nothing has been achieved yet," Lloris told UEFA.com. "Madrid are a different team when they play at home so we'll have to play brilliantly over there to go through. But we believe in our chances."

The goalkeeper was again superb, making vital saves from Gonzalo Higuaín and Cristiano Ronaldo in the second half, although the France No1 was reluctant to take individual praise. "Collectively, it was our best performance of the season," he said. "To beat Madrid everybody has to be on top of their game and that was the case tonight. But I think we can still play even better."

Les Gones have come in for some criticism in recent months, but Lloris denied that the negative press had provided an extra source of motivation. "We don't have anything to prove to anyone," he said. "We worry only about ourselves and how we play. We're all professionals and everyone managed to raise their game for this important match. That's why our hopes are still alive."

Lyon may yet live to rue a series of missed chances, however. César Delgado struck a post, Lisandro twice went close and Aly Cissokho was foiled by Iker Casillas. "If the game had finished 2-0 I don't think Madrid could have complained," midfielder Miralem Pjanić told UEFA.com.

"But we are happy with the win. We saw two very strong teams tonight – two teams that wanted to attack. That's why we saw a good game. We know it's only half-time and it's going to be hard in Madrid, but we've turned in a good display tonight, showing an exemplary spirit. We're confident."