Warning: mysqli_query(): (HY000/1030): Got error 28 from storage engine in /home/sportsun/public_html/wp-includes/wp-db.php on line 1942

Manager Jose Mourinho will march into France on Feb. 22nd with his Real Madrid team to take on Lyon in the round of 16 in the Champions League at the Stade Gerland. Mourinho and his squad might be a little nervous as Lyon has a habit of knocking the Spaniards out of the competition, like they did last year. It’s not likely the French side will be able to do it again, but you never know.

Lyon will have confidence on their side though from their past encounters and this could go a long way during the two-legged tie. Madrid will be favoured though as they’re still one of the top teams in the world and the second best in Spain at the moment. Since Mourinho took over at the start of the season the club has shown it can defend better than in the past. However, you need to score goals to win games and they’ll be hoping Cristiano Ronaldo can lead the way in that department.

At Bodog Sportsbook Ronaldo is the favorite to score first and that bet pays 4.33 (10/3, +333) at the moment.

Mourinho’s on a roll at home as he hasn’t lost a home match with any of his teams in nine years now. but this game’s taking place on the road. Mourinho rested some of his top players over the weekend so they’d be fresh for the match in Lyon. The Portuguese manager said he’s been scouting and studying Lyon for quite some time now to come up with the perfect plan to beat them.

He said Lyon has been a thorn in Madrid’s side for years and it’s time the tables were turned. He added that his squad has to be prepared for anything and is wondering if Jimmy Briand, Cesar Delgado, and Lisandro will be playing for the French side.

Lyon has two wins and a draw in their last three games while Madrid has won their last three matches. Lyon: could be without Lisandro and Hugo Lloris, while Real Madrid will be without Gonzalo Higuain.

There are some good players on the French side, such as Yoann Gourcuff. He’s a fine playmaker and is playing well this season for both his club and country. Real Madrid is solid from back to front with Iker Casillas in net after coming back from a game suspension.

Real Madrid vs Lyon Betting Predictions and Odds

Real Madrid has the ammunition to do some damage, but Mourinho’s going to have to let them pull the trigger. I’ve got a feeling he’s going to be happy with a draw here because of his great home record. If he lets his forwards roam then Real should be able to come out of this leg with a lead, even if it’s only 1-0.

William Hill has Madrid listed as the favourites with odds of them winning set at 4/5. Lyon is at 14/5 and a draw is at 23/10. A 1-0 win for Madrid is listed at 6/1.

US friendly Bodog offers +550 for a narrow 1-0 win for the Madrid side.