Lyon against Real Madrid

SUB: Tiago off, Pedretti on. Another summer signing comes on to replace the former Chelsea man - Pedretti was signed as a replacement for the now-departed Essien.

Some more nice build-up play from the home side ends when Reveillere's cross is over-hit. They are finishing the game with something of a flourish.

Govou can't quite bring down Tiago's pass in the penalty area and Ramos puts his boot through the ball and clears the danger.

The second half hasn't been nearly as interesting or fast-paced at the first, but Lyon have done their job.

Fred gets the chance to run at Selgado inside the penalty area, though the young Brazilian can't beat the veteran full-back and Real clear.

SUB: Wiltord off, Govou on. Wiltord has been looking tired in the last few minutes and Houllier has recognised that in this change.

Tiago cuts in from the left wing, finds a the space for a shot, but blasts his right-foot effort high over the bar.

Guti finds Roberto Carlos in behind the Lyon defence, but the Brazilian's low cross is cleared by Cris. Wiltord was caught out a bit there; he hadn't tracked back as he has been doing.

Lyon have done an excellent job in the second half; they haven't allowed Real the chance to get themselves back in to the game, and are now just quarter of an hour away from a great result.

Oooh! Selgado sends over a tempting cross from the right, but Cris clears just moments before Bapista can power home a header.

Beckham is out-muscled by Malouda, though the referee rules that the Lyon winger fouled Beckham as they challenged for a bouncing ball.

Helguera climbs high to head behind for a second corner, before Juninho takes it short and wins a third when his attempted centre is deflected behind.

Berthold wins his side a corner when he breaks down the left and Helguera is forced to slide in and put the ball behind.

Fred scored twice on his debut at the weekend, and is known to be a fast, tricky and predatory striker - the last thing that Real would want to see at the moment.

SUB: Carew off, Fred on. Young Brazilian striker Fred comes on to replace the giant Carew. There has been plenty hype about the sybstitute since he arrived in France during the summer.

Real coach Luxemburgo may find himself under a bit of pressure after this match - especially considering his side's poor result at the weekend.

Real are beginning to create a few more efforts on goal, though they are mainly shots from distance; they have rarely got in behind Lyon.

Cacapa's hasty clearance flies behind for a corner, though Beckham's centre is headed well wide by Ramos.

Oooh! Raul strikes a left-foot shot narrowly wide of the post, with Coupet well beaten. The Real captain calls for a corner, but the referee disagrees.

Real have enjoyed much more possession throughout the match than their hosts, but they have struggled to break down the Lyon defence.

Oooh! Robert Carlos over-laps down the left wing and cuts a low cross back to Robinho, but the young Brazilian strikes his left-foot shot from 10 yards high over the angle.

There is still a great atmosphere inside the ground as the Lyon fans soak up what would be a historic win.

Oooh! Coupet comes for Garcia's cross, but he can only push the ball to Guti on the edge of the area. The Real midfielder doesn't have much time, but he strikes his left-foot shot high over the bar.

Lyon are working very hard to protect this lead; even Malouda and Wiltord are willing to track back and defend on the flanks.

Oooh! A one-two between Juninho and Malouda works some space for a shot, though Castillas gets down quickly at his near post to turn away Juninho's low drive.

SUB: Guti on, Gravesen off. A midfield change from Luxemburgo, the more attacking Guti will give the vsitors a bit more going forward.

Oooh! A cute through-ball from Robinho sends Raul in to the Lyon penalty area, though Coupet is equal to the shot as he palms it clear.

Wiltord wastes a few more seconds when he allows the ball to run out of play off a Real defender. The home side are trying to close out the game and secure this superb opening victory.

Tiago, Lyon's summer purchase from Chelsea, has been quiet but very effective so far this evening. He is linking the play and doing his best to break up the increasing Real attacks.

Lyon are doing a good job of sitting deep and not allowing Real any chance to get hin hehind them. Also, Robinho is struggling to get any possession in an area where he can hurt the home side.

Real are knocking the ball about in midfield without any real conviction or creativity, and Lyon seem content to allow them to do so.

A superb touch from Robinho on the edge of the penalty area releases Beckham, but he is caught a couple of yards off-side by the Lyon defence.

Cris deflects Carlos's long-range shot behind for a corner, but Lyon defend the set-piece with a lot of assurity.

Beckham seems to have been given a little more license in this second half; he is popping up in the middle a lot more, as Real try to push their full-backs forward.

...Beckham is furious as Malouda flies out of the defensive wall and blocks his shot. The Lyon man could only have been four yards from the ball when Beckham struck it.

Diarra is booked for scything down Robinho just outside the penalty area. A free-kick in a very dangerous spot...

Oooh! Roberto Carlos smashes a stunning, swerving shot from 30 yards which Coupet does well to get something behind.

Malouda, after skipping past Selgado inside the area, attempts to drill a shot past Castillas from a very tight angle, though his effort flies well wide.

Coupet watches Baptista's 20-yard shot closely and gathers the swerving ball comfortably. He has looked very solid tonight.

Real have started the second half with a bit more purpose than they displayed in the first period, though Lyon still look strong.

Will Juninho's missed penalty come back to haunt the home side? Replays have suggested he was perhaps a little lucky to win the decision in the first place.

Of course it's an obvious thing to say, but the next goal in this match is crucial; if Lyon get it, then the game is effectively over; if Real score first, they will entertain hopes of mounting an unlikely comeback.

No changes at half-time as Real kick off this second half. Luxemburgo would have had some harsh words for his side during the interval, I'm sure.

HALF-TIME: Lyon have blown Real away with a superb performance in an incredible first-half.

Real lost 3-0 in the first game of their Champions League season last year, against Bayer Levekusen. Could lightning strike twice?

Oooh! Great skills from Robinho down the left. His low cross is aimed towards the back post and Beckham, though Coupet gets a vital hand on the ball and palms it out of the Real midfielder's path.

Real have never come back from a three-goal defecit in the Champions League, and so will need to create history tonight to get something from this game.

That is Castillas' second penalty save in two games: he stopped a Celta Vigo spot-kick at the weekend, though on that occasion Nunez did score from the rebound.

SAVED! Juninho strikes the penalty with power, but Castillas dives to his right and saves with his body.

PENALTY! Juninho breaks in to the penalty area, between Garcia and Selgado and ends up on the turf. The referee has no hesitation in pointing to the spot!

...This time, Juninho collects a short tap from Malouda, feints to shoot before driving a shot goalwards which Gravesen dives in front and blocks.

Garcia is booked for a foul on Malouda 35 yards out. Another free-kick for Juninho to strike...

Baptista almost batters his way through the Lyon defence after collecting Robinho's cross-field pass, but the French defenders stand firm.

Oooh! Raul heads Gravesen's deflected cross goalwards, but Coupet shows great bravery and instinct to dive at the feet of Baptista to claim the ball.

Gerard Houllier's time in charge at Liverpool brought trophies, but he did leave with a reputation for being something of a negative coach. Not so here at Lyon...

Lyon were the top-scorers in last year's Champions League, and they certainly look as though they could net a hat-full again this time around.

Gravesen is then forced to block a long-range Juninho effort. Corner, but Juninho's cross in to the penalty area drifts behind.

Wiltord robs Pablo Garcia and shoots from 25 yards, but Helguera is across to block his effort.

Lyon have blown Real apart in this first-half. They have been superb; incisive, pacey and calculated - and the Real defence hasn't had a clue.

GOAL! A breathtaking counter-attack down the right-hand side ends when Wiltord volleys home Reveillere's measured cross.

Robinho then tries to slide his captain in with a nice reverse pass in to the area, but Raul is caught off-side by the Lyon back-line.

Gravesen attempts to slide a ball through the Lyon defence towards Raul, but Cris sticks out a long leg and intercepts at the last moment.

The crowd are loving this; Lyon have made a superb start to the season, but they surely couldn't have expected to be 2-0 against Real inside half-an-hour?

Malouda attempts an over-head kick but his effort ends in the arms of Castillas.

More poor defending contributed to Lyon's second goal, as Ramos unsighted his goalkeeper before jumping out of the way of Juninho's shot. Castillas had no chance.

GOAL! Juninho takes advantage of another free-kick chance as he smashes a 40-yard shot through a crowd and in to the bottom corner.

The pace of this game is unbelieveable. It's real end-to-end stuff at the moment, though there have been a lot of niggly fouls and unnecessary free-kicks.

Oooh! An inredible passage of play! Carlos shoots from 30 yards and the ball is deflected on to the post. Baptista then instinctively heads the rebound goalwards though Coupet makes a reflex save. Raul then tries to turn the rebound goalwards, but he heads straight at the goalkeeper.

Lyon probably don't deserve to be in front, but Real's defending on that set-piece was terrible. First Selgado's handball moved it ten yards closer to goal, and then they defended far too deep, heaping pressure on their goalkeeper.

GOAL! Juninho whips the free-kick in to a crowded area, the ball flicks off Carew's head and flies past Castillas and in to the roof of the net.

Selgado fouls Malouda, 35 yards out. Juninho attempts a shot, but Selgado jumps and blocks the effort with his hands. The referee books the Spanish full-back and moves the set-piece ten yards forward...

Carew is playing for his fourth club in the Champions League; can you name them?

Oooh! Roberto Carlos unleashes a trademark shot from distance; it skips across the grass towards goal, but Coupet gathers in style.

Oooh! Real combine to work some space for Beckham, just inside the penalty area. Instead of shooting, Beckham decides the angle is against him and decides to try and chip a cross towards Raul, but Cris heads out for a corner.

There is still a ferocious atmosphere inside the stadium; the Lyon fans are so loud and passionate, and they are throwing their support behind the team every time they launch one of thos pacey counter-attacks.

Robinho seems to try something outrageous every time he gets on the ball - and most of the time it comes off; he has incredible control and technique.

Gravesen is being asked to do most of the work in front of Real's back-four, and the Dane is working terrifically hard to protect his defence.

Cacapa flies in with a crunching challenge on Beckham; it's a fair one, and the ball flies out of play, though Beckham doesn't appear terribly happy with the tackle.

Lyon are causing problems for Real on the counter-attack; they have such pace down the flanks with Wiltord and Malouda, and Carew is putting himself about in the middle.

Carew holds the ball up well on the edge of the area, finds Juninho inside the box, but his back-heel is read by Ramos and Real clear the danger.

Baptista is playing as the deepest of Madrid's three strikers, leaving Raul and Robinho to do the work higher up the pitch.

It has been a superb start to the game by both sides; Robinho is causing plenty problems for Lyon with his dribbling skills, but the home side are throwing plenty men forward on the break and have created moments of panic of their own.

Oooh! Carlos strikes the shot, Raul instinctively attempts to divert the ball goalwards, but it flies a yard wide of the post.

This free-kick is a little further out than the one a minute or two ago, and Robert Carlos seems to be eyeing a shot...

Robinho wins his side another free-kick in a dangerous position when Cris again brings him down outside the Lyon area following a nice one-two with Baptista.

Selgado brings down Malouda with a clumsy challenge, and the Lyon winger needs a little treatment. He's fine, though. Don't worry yourselves.

Real Madrid captain is chasing his 50th Champions League goal tonight, in only his 96th match; a superb record.

Ooooh! Beckham curls his shot a foot wide of the far post. Good effort from the Real superstar; Coupet was well beaten.

Great position for Beckham to shoot. Coupet ensures his defensive wall is exactly where he wants it...

Robinho wins his side a throw deep in the Lyon half. He then earns a free-kick 20 yards out when he is fouled by Cris.

The corner is punched clear by Castillas; he came through a crowd but did so with plenty authority.

Oooh! The unlikely figure of John Carew sprints through the heart of the Real defence and wins a corner when his shot is blocked by Selgado.

Lyon kick off the action in the Stade de Gerland. There is a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium; the match was sold out very quickly and the Lyon fans have been looking forward to this clash ever since the draw has been made.

New recruit Sergio Ramos also starts for Real, replacing the under-fire centre-back Pavon.

Team news: Beckham starts for Real, despite picking up a knock late in their defeat at the hands of Celta Vigo at the weekend.

Lyon will be hoping to capitalise on Real Madrid's shakey start to the season as the group stages of the Champions League begin this evening. Join us for commentary from 19.45.

Real coach Luxemburgo may find himself under a bit of pressure after this match - especially considering his side's poor result at the weekend.

Real are beginning to create a few more efforts on goal, though they are mainly shots from distance; they have rarely got in behind Lyon.

Cacapa's hasty clearance flies behind for a corner, though Beckham's centre is headed well wide by Ramos.

Oooh! Raul strikes a left-foot shot narrowly wide of the post, with Coupet well beaten. The Real captain calls for a corner, but the referee disagrees.

Real have enjoyed much more possession throughout the match than their hosts, but they have struggled to break down the Lyon defence.

Oooh! Robert Carlos over-laps down the left wing and cuts a low cross back to Robinho, but the young Brazilian strikes his left-foot shot from 10 yards high over the angle.

There is still a great atmosphere inside the ground as the Lyon fans soak up what would be a historic win.

Oooh! Coupet comes for Garcia's cross, but he can only push the ball to Guti on the edge of the area. The Real midfielder doesn't have much time, but he strikes his left-foot shot high over the bar.

Lyon are working very hard to protect this lead; even Malouda and Wiltord are willing to track back and defend on the flanks.

Oooh! A one-two between Juninho and Malouda works some space for a shot, though Castillas gets down quickly at his near post to turn away Juninho's low drive.

SUB: Guti on, Gravesen off. A midfield change from Luxemburgo, the more attacking Guti will give the vsitors a bit more going forward.

Oooh! A cute through-ball from Robinho sends Raul in to the Lyon penalty area, though Coupet is equal to the shot as he palms it clear.

Wiltord wastes a few more seconds when he allows the ball to run out of play off a Real defender. The home side are trying to close out the game and secure this superb opening victory.

Tiago, Lyon's summer purchase from Chelsea, has been quiet but very effective so far this evening. He is linking the play and doing his best to break up the increasing Real attacks.

Lyon are doing a good job of sitting deep and not allowing Real any chance to get hin hehind them. Also, Robinho is struggling to get any possession in an area where he can hurt the home side.

Real are knocking the ball about in midfield without any real conviction or creativity, and Lyon seem content to allow them to do so.

A superb touch from Robinho on the edge of the penalty area releases Beckham, but he is caught a couple of yards off-side by the Lyon defence.

Cris deflects Carlos's long-range shot behind for a corner, but Lyon defend the set-piece with a lot of assurity.

Beckham seems to have been given a little more license in this second half; he is popping up in the middle a lot more, as Real try to push their full-backs forward.

...Beckham is furious as Malouda flies out of the defensive wall and blocks his shot. The Lyon man could only have been four yards from the ball when Beckham struck it.

Diarra is booked for scything down Robinho just outside the penalty area. A free-kick in a very dangerous spot...

Oooh! Roberto Carlos smashes a stunning, swerving shot from 30 yards which Coupet does well to get something behind.

Malouda, after skipping past Selgado inside the area, attempts to drill a shot past Castillas from a very tight angle, though his effort flies well wide.

Coupet watches Baptista's 20-yard shot closely and gathers the swerving ball comfortably. He has looked very solid tonight.

Real have started the second half with a bit more purpose than they displayed in the first period, though Lyon still look strong.

Will Juninho's missed penalty come back to haunt the home side? Replays have suggested he was perhaps a little lucky to win the decision in the first place.

Of course it's an obvious thing to say, but the next goal in this match is crucial; if Lyon get it, then the game is effectively over; if Real score first, they will entertain hopes of mounting an unlikely comeback.

No changes at half-time as Real kick off this second half. Luxemburgo would have had some harsh words for his side during the interval, I'm sure.

HALF-TIME: Lyon have blown Real away with a superb performance in an incredible first-half.

Real lost 3-0 in the first game of their Champions League season last year, against Bayer Levekusen. Could lightning strike twice?

Oooh! Great skills from Robinho down the left. His low cross is aimed towards the back post and Beckham, though Coupet gets a vital hand on the ball and palms it out of the Real midfielder's path.

Real have never come back from a three-goal defecit in the Champions League, and so will need to create history tonight to get something from this game.

That is Castillas' second penalty save in two games: he stopped a Celta Vigo spot-kick at the weekend, though on that occasion Nunez did score from the rebound.

SAVED! Juninho strikes the penalty with power, but Castillas dives to his right and saves with his body.

PENALTY! Juninho breaks in to the penalty area, between Garcia and Selgado and ends up on the turf. The referee has no hesitation in pointing to the spot!

...This time, Juninho collects a short tap from Malouda, feints to shoot before driving a shot goalwards which Gravesen dives in front and blocks.

Garcia is booked for a foul on Malouda 35 yards out. Another free-kick for Juninho to strike...

Baptista almost batters his way through the Lyon defence after collecting Robinho's cross-field pass, but the French defenders stand firm.

Oooh! Raul heads Gravesen's deflected cross goalwards, but Coupet shows great bravery and instinct to dive at the feet of Baptista to claim the ball.

Gerard Houllier's time in charge at Liverpool brought trophies, but he did leave with a reputation for being something of a negative coach. Not so here at Lyon...

Lyon were the top-scorers in last year's Champions League, and they certainly look as though they could net a hat-full again this time around.

Gravesen is then forced to block a long-range Juninho effort. Corner, but Juninho's cross in to the penalty area drifts behind.

Wiltord robs Pablo Garcia and shoots from 25 yards, but Helguera is across to block his effort.

Lyon have blown Real apart in this first-half. They have been superb; incisive, pacey and calculated - and the Real defence hasn't had a clue.

GOAL! A breathtaking counter-attack down the right-hand side ends when Wiltord volleys home Reveillere's measured cross.

Robinho then tries to slide his captain in with a nice reverse pass in to the area, but Raul is caught off-side by the Lyon back-line.

Gravesen attempts to slide a ball through the Lyon defence towards Raul, but Cris sticks out a long leg and intercepts at the last moment.

The crowd are loving this; Lyon have made a superb start to the season, but they surely couldn't have expected to be 2-0 against Real inside half-an-hour?

Malouda attempts an over-head kick but his effort ends in the arms of Castillas.

More poor defending contributed to Lyon's second goal, as Ramos unsighted his goalkeeper before jumping out of the way of Juninho's shot. Castillas had no chance.

GOAL! Juninho takes advantage of another free-kick chance as he smashes a 40-yard shot through a crowd and in to the bottom corner.

The pace of this game is unbelieveable. It's real end-to-end stuff at the moment, though there have been a lot of niggly fouls and unnecessary free-kicks.

Oooh! An inredible passage of play! Carlos shoots from 30 yards and the ball is deflected on to the post. Baptista then instinctively heads the rebound goalwards though Coupet makes a reflex save. Raul then tries to turn the rebound goalwards, but he heads straight at the goalkeeper.

Lyon probably don't deserve to be in front, but Real's defending on that set-piece was terrible. First Selgado's handball moved it ten yards closer to goal, and then they defended far too deep, heaping pressure on their goalkeeper.

GOAL! Juninho whips the free-kick in to a crowded area, the ball flicks off Carew's head and flies past Castillas and in to the roof of the net.

Selgado fouls Malouda, 35 yards out. Juninho attempts a shot, but Selgado jumps and blocks the effort with his hands. The referee books the Spanish full-back and moves the set-piece ten yards forward...

Carew is playing for his fourth club in the Champions League; can you name them?

Oooh! Roberto Carlos unleashes a trademark shot from distance; it skips across the grass towards goal, but Coupet gathers in style.

Oooh! Real combine to work some space for Beckham, just inside the penalty area. Instead of shooting, Beckham decides the angle is against him and decides to try and chip a cross towards Raul, but Cris heads out for a corner.

There is still a ferocious atmosphere inside the stadium; the Lyon fans are so loud and passionate, and they are throwing their support behind the team every time they launch one of thos pacey counter-attacks.

Robinho seems to try something outrageous every time he gets on the ball - and most of the time it comes off; he has incredible control and technique.

Gravesen is being asked to do most of the work in front of Real's back-four, and the Dane is working terrifically hard to protect his defence.

Cacapa flies in with a crunching challenge on Beckham; it's a fair one, and the ball flies out of play, though Beckham doesn't appear terribly happy with the tackle.

Lyon are causing problems for Real on the counter-attack; they have such pace down the flanks with Wiltord and Malouda, and Carew is putting himself about in the middle.

Carew holds the ball up well on the edge of the area, finds Juninho inside the box, but his back-heel is read by Ramos and Real clear the danger.

Baptista is playing as the deepest of Madrid's three strikers, leaving Raul and Robinho to do the work higher up the pitch.

It has been a superb start to the game by both sides; Robinho is causing plenty problems for Lyon with his dribbling skills, but the home side are throwing plenty men forward on the break and have created moments of panic of their own.

Oooh! Carlos strikes the shot, Raul instinctively attempts to divert the ball goalwards, but it flies a yard wide of the post.

This free-kick is a little further out than the one a minute or two ago, and Robert Carlos seems to be eyeing a shot...

Robinho wins his side another free-kick in a dangerous position when Cris again brings him down outside the Lyon area following a nice one-two with Baptista.

Selgado brings down Malouda with a clumsy challenge, and the Lyon winger needs a little treatment. He's fine, though. Don't worry yourselves.

Real Madrid captain is chasing his 50th Champions League goal tonight, in only his 96th match; a superb record.

Ooooh! Beckham curls his shot a foot wide of the far post. Good effort from the Real superstar; Coupet was well beaten.

Great position for Beckham to shoot. Coupet ensures his defensive wall is exactly where he wants it...

Robinho wins his side a throw deep in the Lyon half. He then earns a free-kick 20 yards out when he is fouled by Cris.

The corner is punched clear by Castillas; he came through a crowd but did so with plenty authority.

Oooh! The unlikely figure of John Carew sprints through the heart of the Real defence and wins a corner when his shot is blocked by Selgado.

Lyon kick off the action in the Stade de Gerland. There is a fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium; the match was sold out very quickly and the Lyon fans have been looking forward to this clash ever since the draw has been made.

New recruit Sergio Ramos also starts for Real, replacing the under-fire centre-back Pavon.

Team news: Beckham starts for Real, despite picking up a knock late in their defeat at the hands of Celta Vigo at the weekend.

Lyon will be hoping to capitalise on Real Madrid's shakey start to the season as the group stages of the Champions League begin this evening. Join us for commentary from 19.45.