Sevilla v Lyon: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Monday, September 26, 2016
Article summary
"We can't afford even the smallest error," warned Jorge Sampaoli as he charged his Sevilla side to atone for a weekend defeat with victory at home against master counterattackers Lyon.
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Article body
- Sevilla and Lyon meet for the first time in a competitive fixture
- Home coach warns Sevilla to be wary of Lyon on the counter
- Lyon have lost four of nine matches in all competitions this term
- Sevilla have lost four of last five games against French opposition
- Lyon coach Bruno Génésio underlines commitment to 3-5-2 system
Possible line-ups
Sevilla: Rico; Mariano, Mercado, Pareja, Escudero; Iborra, N'Zonzi; Vitolo, Nasri, Correa; Vázquez.
Out: Trémoulinas (knee), Carriço (hamstring), Rami (hamstring)
Lyon: Lopes; Yanga-Mbiwa, Mammana, Morel; Gaspar, Ferri, Gonalons, Tolisso, Rybus; Cornet; Fekir.
Out: Kalulu (suspended), Jallet (back), Grenier (shin), Lacazette (thigh), Rafael (thigh)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Jorge Sampaoli, Sevilla coach
We lost at the weekend but playing every three days gives you a chance to pick yourself up immediately. Against Lyon, we have to be very effective and patient, particularly in attack.
We need to play higher up the pitch and be more creative in the final third, because the point of having lots of possession is to make it count and win.
However, if we are too direct we'll find an opponent that defends well and counters with skill and pace. We can't afford even the smallest error.
Bruno Génésio, Lyon coach
If anyone here isn't sufficiently motivated for this, even after a disappointing defeat at the weekend, then it's time to change career. We all have to find a way to go up a gear, to get to the level of performance required.
Our change of playing system is the correct thing. It's only been four matches like this [as a 3-5-2] and it has yielded benefits. The difference is that this is our sixth game in 17 days and only the very top players can cope with that.
Sevilla like to have possession and press high. Our principles are the same. The challenge will be our ability to play the ball out well in the face of their pressing. We must also be top class in winning the ball back and what we do with it.
Weekend results
Athletic Club 3-1 Sevilla (San José 26, Balenziaga 66, Aduriz 90pen; Nasri 55)
Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu was sent off late on as Sevilla suffered their first Liga reverse of the campaign. Aritz Aduriz's spot kick rubber-stamped the points for Athletic.
Lorient 1-0 Lyon (Cabot 51)
Jimmy Cabot condemned Lyon to a third loss in their last five Ligue 1 encounters.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Sevilla: LWDDWD
Lyon: LWDWLL
Reporter's view: Graham Hunter (@BumperGraham)
Sevilla find it hard to win away from home – both in the Liga and in Europe. Last season they won two of their three UEFA Champions League group games at the Ramón Sanchéz Pizujuán, which was sufficient only to send them into the UEFA Europa League – which they won, again. That query over their away form means three points here, after that stirring 0-0 draw at Juventus on matchday one, are essential. Lyon's last competitive visit to Spain, less than a year ago, produced a 2-0 victory at Valencia. Fascinating contest here.
Did you know?
What were the results when Sevilla faced Lyon in pre-season friendlies in 2009 and 2014? Find out in our extensive match background.