Barcelona Defender Éric Abidal Warns Of Lyon Potential

There were no shortage of exciting draws made for the Champions League last 16 and, for that reason, the potentially mouth-watering clash between Olympique Lyonnais and Barcelona has been largely overlooked. Both sides sit atop of their respective domestic leagues, although, while Barça’s scintillating form has been universally acclaimed, les Gones are going through something of a difficult spell.

Pep Guardiola’s Catalan side are in imperious form at present and, as a result, have been installed as favourites to lift the European crown for the second time in four years. Flying left-back, Éric Abidal, has warned that his side must pay due attention to a dangerous Lyon outfit.

“When you look at our statistics in La Primera División, they are incredible, but this is not La Liga we are talking about,” he told French radio station RMC. “We have scored a lot of goals this season and we have won many games but our level of play has not changed.

“We should not compare ourselves to OL. There are two matches and anything can happen. Lyon have scored ten goals in the group stages… and they have the qualities to get a positive result at the Stade Gerland [in the first leg].”

After playing Lyon twice in the same competition last season, albeit at an earlier stage, Abidal rejected assertions that a return to his former ground would be difficult. “I already played in Lyon last season (pictured) and it’s all part of the draw,” he explained. “We know the team; the two groups haven’t changed a great deal since we last met. They have been unlucky with injuries in defence but they are definitely a side with potential.”

Les Gones do have a new general in the form of Claude Puel, a man that the 29 year-old France international has a great deal of respect for. “He has a great record in big matches and is capable of causing a big upset; we will have to keep our concentration,” he explained.

Abidal concluded, “Our aim is to go straight ahead and win the Champions League. That means getting passed Lyon.”

Robin Bairner, Goal.com