Real Madrid Fail To Take A Lead From The Lyon's Den

The French for script writer is scenariste, and whom ever Karim Benzema has employed in that particular role, deserves a pay raise. Coming on as a substitute at the home of his, beloved, former club, Benzema delivered what will probably be a knock out blow in Lyon and Real Madrid's Round of 16 bout. Following a first half of more perspiration than inspiration, a rare moment of the latter was delivered by Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. Following a disappointing display from Togolese international Emmanuel Adebayor, The Special One saw fit to release former Lyon man Benzema into the fray. With his first touch Benzema jinked his way into some space in the box, and with his second he put the ball between the legs of Hugo Lloris, and into the back of the net.

Reeling, from the shock of the concession of an away goal, Lyon looked ripe for a pounding, and only wasteful Angel Di Maria finishing stood between Real Madrid and a two goal advantage. However, there was to be a sting in the tail, and Bafetimi Gomis' late strike will certainly sting Real Madrid. The striker, who had remained on the periphery of things for most of the encounter, capitalized on a superb flicked header from Cris, and, displaying coolness as well as technique, calmly slotted into the bottom corner. With round about five minutes left, Real Madrid found themselves suddenly of the back foot and by the time the final whistle blew, Mourinho probably would just about have settled with the one away goal.

Though Madrid will remain heavy favorites for the second leg, the Bernabeau crowd will be wary of the threat posed by a sparky Lyon side, and if the Merengues fail to come through this tie, one things for sure, what has been talked about as just a bad run in Europe, will quickly become a curse!

Will Real Madrid go through to the quarters?

Is Benzema's goal enough to move him ahead of Adebayor in the pecking order?