Real Madrid travels to France to take on Olympique Lyon in Champions League group D play on Wednesday. 

Los Blancos have the full compliment of points for the first three matches of group play. You can bet that they will not be slacking off against a hungry French side. 

This game will no doubt feature a hungry Lyon that is fighting to establish themselves in the middle of a tight table. It is Real Madrid and everyone else heading into Wednesday. A split of the points would be a treat; anything more would be revolutionary. 

Let's delve deeper into the Champions League fixture. 

Where: Stade de Gerland.

When: Wednesday, November 2nd, 3:45 p.m. EDT.

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel (Coverage played at 6:00 p.m. EDT).

 

Player to Watch For Real Madrid: Kaka

You could really take your pick here for players of note. Los Blancos are once again in fine form and have a bounty of stars at their disposal. 

The most interesting note on this season has been the resurgence of Kaka. He is once again a pivotal cog on Real Madrid's offense, and it has been amazing to watch. 

 

Player to Watch For Lyon: Bafétimbi Gomis

Lyon is still without an injured Lisandro Lopez. The bulk of the touches in the box will have to go to Gomis. He will either be the biggest hero of the year or a non-story against a tough back line. 

 

Key Matchup

Lyon will have to prove that they can own the possession in the midfield if they hope for any sort of result on Wednesday.

It will be tough matching wits with a creative and dominant midfield, but that is what needs to be done if they are going to assert themselves in this clash.  

 

What They’re Saying

ESPN reports on a tough Jose Mourinho imposing his will on a Real Madrid side that was lackluster in the second half against Villareal:

"The Special One's message was clear: He wanted more from his players. More chances created, more hustle, more goals. Three-nil wasn't good enough. After a regal first-half performance that was sharp and physically imposing in equal parts, Real tapered off a bit, the pace lessened, in the second half. And it wasn't good enough for the perfectionist stalking the sideline."

 

Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Lyon 0

I am confident Real Madrid will own the ball for most of the game and treat us all to a fine display of flourishing attacks. 

Lyon will put up a great fight, but that will hardly matter in the end. 

 

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