Lyon look to shine against wounded Real Madrid

Olympique Lyon coach Gerard Houllier believes his side's Champions League match against a wounded Real Madrid will give his players the perfect stage on which to display their talents.

The French champions head into the game with a 100 percent record in Europe this season and know a point against the nine-times European champions will ensure first place in Group F.

Real, who were beaten 3-0 by Lyon in the opening group match and suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat by arch-rivals Barcelona on Saturday, will be anxious to restore their pride by inflicting a first defeat on the Ligue 1 leaders.

"There is not a lot at stake because both teams have qualified," Houllier told Reuters.

"But I would say Real are going into the game hoping to redeem themselves after their loss against Barcelona whereas on our side there is a feeling of responsibility to show how good we can be."

Houllier, who took charge of Lyon when Paul Le Guen departed after leading the team to a fourth successive league title last May, said he was delighted with the way his new team had begun the season.

"Yes, we've made a great start," he said.

"I think the secret is a mixture of talent, hard work and excellent team bonding, a spirit of sacrifice with everyone working for each other and of course a bit of luck because you need that as well."

The Frenchman said he was pleased with the way the team had responded after losing Michael Essien to Chelsea at the start of the season and said Portuguese midfielder Tiago had proved to be a perfect replacement.

"I keep saying that Michael was an outstanding player and I didn't want him to go but I respected his decision. At the same time we were very lucky because we got Tiago who is developing, blossoming I would say, and showing all the ingredients of a top class player."

Houllier said he was relieved his side would not be facing Michael Owen in the Real Madrid attack, after the Englishman who played under him while he was in charge at Liverpool moved to Newcastle United in August to get more first team football.

"I prefer Michael not to play against me, it would be a heart-breaking experience for me. Suppose he had scored. I would have been happy but at the same time I would have been down."

Real's attack will be severely depleted as captain Raul is sidelined with a serious knee injury and Ronaldo is also out of action after feeling a reaction to an ankle problem during the Barcelona game.

But Houllier said despite the absences and their heavy defeat against Barcelona, Real were still a force to be reckoned with.

"Even without Raul and Ronaldo, Real are still a great side and still have players like (David) Beckham and (Julio) Baptista who can score goals," he told a news conference.

"Both teams want to be first, but Olympique have an advantage because we are leading the group at the moment, but it will be a passionate, interesting and exciting game."

Houllier also dismissed suggestions that his side might settle for the draw which would guarantee them first place.

"Looking for a draw would be the best way to lose this match. It would be against the philosophy of this team to go for a draw. We always look to play well and score goals - that is our responsibility."