Lyon aggrieved after false start

Olympique Lyonnais lost 3-0 at FC Barcelona on Matchday 1 but Jérémy Toulalan insisted that there was "better to come" from the French champions in Group E.

Unfair reflection
The French international midfielder said: "Perhaps we deserved to lose but I think that this scoreline does not reflect the game adequately. The second-half display from Lyon was much improved from the first 45 minutes and we all felt that we could and should have equalised. However, we didn't and when Barça's second goal went in the game was over. There is better to come from us."

Lingering doubts
The scoreline may have looked emphatic, but the majority of Alain Perrin's squad felt it was Lyon themselves, rather than their Catalan opponents, who had determined the course of the game. The lingering sense of regret, as is often the case with visitors to Barça's home ground, was over whether they had shown sufficient self-belief and will to seek a victory rather than a draw.

No complex
Goalkeeper Rémy Vercoutre saw three goals flash past him but still believes he did not play against an awe-inspiring Barça. "I will not come away from this match with any complex about Barcelona," he said. "They are a very, very good side who keep the ball for a long time, so it's hard to impose yourself against them. Perhaps we showed them a little too much respect but when I think back about losing 3-0 I can accept that this is a good team we lost to."

'So few weaknesses'
Only Sidney Govou, in flashes, took the battle to Barça and he described the night as a learning experience for his team-mates and coach. "I've played in a tactical war," Govou said. "Barcelona away is a demanding task because you have to adapt so quickly to their rather special way of playing. The really tough thing, however, is that they have so few weaknesses to exploit." Lyon, who dropped to fourth in Ligue 1 after drawing 1-1 with LOSC Lille Métropole on Sunday, face Rangers FC at home on Matchday 2.