PARIS, France (AP) — Olympique de Lyon go face Manchester United today for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, as both teams dey seek to revive their form.
Dis match go take place for Groupama Stadium wey dey fit almost 60,000 fans, and the two clubs be under pressure to perform. Lyon don drop from their previous spot as the top team for France, and their financial situation still dey suffer, but dem don reach quarter-finals for dis second important UEFA tournament, behind the Champions League. For Ligue 1, dem dey fifth, thanks to recent wins wey don keep dem in contention for podium position.
As for Manchester United, their condition dey worse. Fans dey long for the glory days when dem dey rule Europe with three Champions League titles and 20 Premier League trophies. Currently, dem dey 13th for the English Premier League, but after a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the last round, dem come with plenty motivation.
Lyon key players include young star Rayan Cherki (21 years old), veteran Alexandre Lacazette, and Georges Mikautadze. On the other hand, Manchester United get important players like Portuguese Bruno Fernandes and experienced Christian Eriksen.
Other matches for today include Tottenham vs. Frankfurt, Bodø/Glimt vs. Lazio, and Rangers vs. Athletic.
As Lyon dey look for their first Europa League title (dem don reach semi-finals once in 2016-17), dis match against Manchester United fit be their opportunity to shine. United, wey win dis competition in 2016-17 under José Mourinho, dey have dem eyes set on dis tournament after a disappointing season in the Premier League.
Lyon come into dis match after a painful 2-4 loss to Strasbourg but dey bounce back with a 2-1 victory over Lille at home. Both teams last clash for the 2007/2008 Champions League, when United win 1-0 at home, and draw 1-1 away.
As match dey resume, Lyon dey look sharp to extend their lead, and dem almost score, but United goalkeeper make critical saves. With just minutes for first half, dem go need to secure dem position as plenty tension dey in the air.
