Olympique Lyonnais season 2007-08
Encyclopedia
The 2007–08 season was Olympique Lyonnais
's 49th season in Ligue 1
and their 19th consecutive season in the top division of French
football. They were the defending champions having won the title the past six consecutive seasons.
(on loan from Barcelona
)
. They claimed the title after defeating Auxerre
on the final day of the season.
Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
. They were pitted in the group of death
, which featured German
champions Stuttgart
, Spanish
giants Barcelona
, and Scottish
giants Rangers
. After two disappointing 0–3 losses to Barcelona at the Nou Camp and Rangers at home, Lyon rebounded picking up two important wins in their home-away series against Stuttgart. Following their 2-2 draw at home against Barcelona, Lyon faced a tough challenge as they needed to defeat Rangers at Ibrox in order to advance to the knockout stages. As Rangers only needed a draw, odds were against Lyon. However, after an early goal by Sidney Govou
, Lyon ended Rangers hope with two late goals from Karim Benzema
sending Lyon to the knockout stages for the 5th consecutive season.
losing 0-1 on a Cristiano Ronaldo
goal just before halftime.
in the 2007 final
. Having made it to the UEFA Champions League
, Lyon were given their annual bye into the First Knockout round, where they defeated SM Caen
3-1. With that win, they were pitted against Le Mans in the quarter-finals. After an early goal by Le Mans midfielder Daisuke Matsui
, Lyon could not break through there sturdy defense as they bowed out of the League Cup for the 7th straight season. Their last cup triumph coming in 2001
.
season off to a strong start defeating Championnat National
side US Créteil
4-0, with Benzema picking up a hat trick
. This match was notable as it marked the return of Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet
who had been out for four months with a torn medial ligament. Following their Round of 32 success, they were pitted against the surprising, yet upset-minded CFA
side Croix de Savoie
. After a hard-fought first half, it took an 80th-minute strike from Brazil
ian striker
Fred
to pull Lyon through to the next round where they faced the defending champions FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
. Following an unimpressive first half from both clubs, Karim Benzema
opened the scoring for Lyon in the 56th minute. After holding the score at 1-0, Lyon failed to keep a clean sheet as Kandia Traoré
equalised for Sochaux near the beginning of injury time. With extra time looming, Karim Benzema again scored for Lyon to give them the victory and the right to move to the quarterfinals, where they faced relegation-bound FC Metz
. Metz, looking to create something special out of a disappointing league season, played very bravely as they tried to pull off a historic upset. However, Karim Benzema again scored for Lyon (his 28th of the season and 6th in the Coupe de France) to give them a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. That would be the eventual scoreline as Lyon advanced to the semifinals where they faced Ligue 2
side CS Sedan
. In one of the more entertaining matches of the cup with both teams displaying their attacking prowess and both goalkeepers stepping up in times of need, it took one of Juninho
's vintage free kicks to finally knock out the tough Ligue 2 side and thus book Lyon's place in the final
at the Stade de France
, where they will faced rivals Paris Saint-Germain
. The final was heavily contested and eventually headed into extra time. Lyon finally broke through with a goal from Sidney Govou
. Lyon would hold on to that scoreline as they prevailed to capture their fourth Coupe de France title in their history and the first in the Aulas
era. For more information on the final, click below.
Coupe de France Final 2008
|}
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
's 49th season in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
and their 19th consecutive season in the top division of French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
football. They were the defending champions having won the title the past six consecutive seasons.
Current squad
As of 8 March 2008.(on loan from Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
)
In
Out
Players out on loan
Other information
Ligue 1
After a tough Ligue 1 season marred by injuries to key players, Lyon became champions for the seventh consecutive season holding off BordeauxFC Girondins de Bordeaux
Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season....
. They claimed the title after defeating Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
on the final day of the season.
League table
Last updated 17 May 2008| Lyon Olympique Lyonnais Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The... |
Group Stage |
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| Bordeaux FC Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season.... |
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| Marseille Olympique de Marseille Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In... |
3rd Qualifying Round |
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| Nancy AS Nancy Association Sportive Nancy-Lorraine is a French association football club based in Nancy. The club was founded in 1967 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Nancy plays its home matches at the Stade Marcel Picot in Tomblaine, a commune located in the Arrondissement of... |
1st Round |
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Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
Results summary
Results by round
| Date | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance | League position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 August 2007 | Auxerre AJ Auxerre Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the... |
H | 2 – 0 | Baroš Milan Baroš Milan Baroš is a Czech footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray and the Czech national football team.In the 2008–09 season, Baroš scored 20 goals in Turkish Süper Lig, the highest total in the league... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
35,537 | 3rd |
| 11 August 2007 | Toulouse | A | 0 – 1 | 24,980 | 7th | |
| 18 August 2007 | Lorient FC Lorient Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian... |
A | 1 – 2 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
14,612 | 8th |
| 26 August 2007 | Saint-Étienne AS Saint-Étienne Association Sportive de Saint-Étienne Loire is a French association football club based in Saint-Étienne. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Saint-Étienne plays its home matches at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard located within the city... |
H | 1 – 0 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
38,438 | 7th |
| 29 August 2007 | Sochaux FC Sochaux-Montbéliard Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city... |
A | 2 – 1 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer is a French footballer who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. He usually plays as a central midfielder. He serves as president of amateur French club Évreux FC, located in his hometown.-Early career:Bodmer began his professional career at Évreux AC at the... |
15,744 | 4th |
| 1 September 2007 | Le Mans | H | 3 – 2 | Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Baroš Milan Baroš Milan Baroš is a Czech footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray and the Czech national football team.In the 2008–09 season, Baroš scored 20 goals in Turkish Süper Lig, the highest total in the league... |
35,042 | 2nd |
| 15 September 2007 | Metz FC Metz Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its... |
A | 5 – 1 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa is a French association football player who plays for English club Newcastle United in the Premier League. He plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and an attacking midfielder... , Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... |
21,988 | 1st |
| 23 September 2007 | Lille Lille OSC LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the... |
H | 1 – 1 | Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... |
32,658 | 2nd |
| 29 September 2007 | Lens RC Lens Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du... |
H | 3 – 0 | Fábio Santos Fábio dos Santos Barbosa Fábio dos Santos Barbosa is a former Brazilian footballer.- Career :Fábio dos Santos stated his career at Sao Paulo state.Fábio dos Santos signed by Lyon in January 2007 from Cruzeiro.... , Källström Kim Källström Kim Källström is a left-footed Swedish midfielder playing for the Swedish national team and Olympique Lyonnais.-Early career:Källström's first professional club in Sweden was BK Häcken from Gothenburg but his big breakthrough in Sweden came when he moved to Djurgårdens IF in 2002, where he won the... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
38,420 | 4th |
| 7 October 2007 | Bordeaux FC Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season.... |
A | 3 – 1 | Anderson Anderson Cléber Beraldo Anderson Cléber Beraldo , commonly known as Anderson, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays for América Mineiro.-Corinthians:... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Källström Kim Källström Kim Källström is a left-footed Swedish midfielder playing for the Swedish national team and Olympique Lyonnais.-Early career:Källström's first professional club in Sweden was BK Häcken from Gothenburg but his big breakthrough in Sweden came when he moved to Djurgårdens IF in 2002, where he won the... |
31,919 | 2nd |
| 20 October 2007 | Monaco AS Monaco FC Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille... |
H | 3 – 1 | Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... , Réveillère Anthony Réveillère Anthony Réveillère is a French footballer. A pure product of the Rennes youth academy with which he débuted professionally, he plays as an attacking right-back with Olympique Lyonnais and France national team.-Career:... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
36,254 | 1st |
| 28 October 2007 | PSG | A | 3 – 2 | Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa is a French association football player who plays for English club Newcastle United in the Premier League. He plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and an attacking midfielder... , Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... |
39,787 | 1st |
| 3 November 2007 | Valenciennes Valenciennes FC Valenciennes Football Club is a French association football club based in Valenciennes. The club was founded in 1913 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Valenciennes plays its home matches at the recently-built Stade du Hainaut located within the city... |
H | 2 – 0 | Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... , Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... |
38,631 | 1st |
| 11 November 2007 | Marseille Olympique de Marseille Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In... |
H | 1 – 2 | Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... |
38,811 | 1st |
| 24 November 2007 | Rennes | A | 2 – 0 | Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... , Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa is a French association football player who plays for English club Newcastle United in the Premier League. He plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and an attacking midfielder... |
28,596 | 1st |
| 2 December 2007 | Strasbourg RC Strasbourg Racing Club de Strasbourg is a French association football club founded in 1906 and professional since 1933, based in the city of Strasbourg, in Alsace... |
H | 5 – 0 | Källström Kim Källström Kim Källström is a left-footed Swedish midfielder playing for the Swedish national team and Olympique Lyonnais.-Early career:Källström's first professional club in Sweden was BK Häcken from Gothenburg but his big breakthrough in Sweden came when he moved to Djurgårdens IF in 2002, where he won the... , Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Clerc François Clerc François Clerc is a French footballer who plays as a right back for OGC Nice.-Club career:He joined Lyon as a youth player, but spent the 2004–05 season on loan at Toulouse FC before playing a league game for Lyon... |
34,595 | 1st |
| 8 December 2007 | Caen SM Caen Stade Malherbe Caen is a professional French football team, playing in the city of Caen, Normandy. The club was founded on 17 November 1913 following the merger of Club Malherbe Caennais and Club Sportif Caennais... |
A | 0 – 1 | 20,664 | 1st | |
| 15 December 2007 | Nice OGC Nice Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is... |
H | 0 – 0 | 37,280 | 1st | |
| 22 December 2007 | Nancy AS Nancy Association Sportive Nancy-Lorraine is a French association football club based in Nancy. The club was founded in 1967 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Nancy plays its home matches at the Stade Marcel Picot in Tomblaine, a commune located in the Arrondissement of... |
A | 1 – 1 | Baroš Milan Baroš Milan Baroš is a Czech footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray and the Czech national football team.In the 2008–09 season, Baroš scored 20 goals in Turkish Süper Lig, the highest total in the league... |
19,898 | 1st |
| 12 January 2008 | Toulouse | H | 3 – 2 | Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa is a French association football player who plays for English club Newcastle United in the Premier League. He plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and an attacking midfielder... , Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
36,587 | 1st |
| 20 January 2008 | Lens RC Lens Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du... |
A | 0 – 3 | 32,734 | 1st | |
| 23 January 2008 | Lorient FC Lorient Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian... |
H | 2 – 0 | Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa is a French association football player who plays for English club Newcastle United in the Premier League. He plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and an attacking midfielder... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
37,780 | 1st |
| 27 January 2008 | Saint-Étienne AS Saint-Étienne Association Sportive de Saint-Étienne Loire is a French association football club based in Saint-Étienne. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Saint-Étienne plays its home matches at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard located within the city... |
A | 1 – 1 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
31,537 | 1st |
| 9 February 2008 | Sochaux FC Sochaux-Montbéliard Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city... |
H | 4 – 1 | Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer is a French footballer who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. He usually plays as a central midfielder. He serves as president of amateur French club Évreux FC, located in his hometown.-Early career:Bodmer began his professional career at Évreux AC at the... , Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
35,904 | 1st |
| 16 February 2008 | Le Mans | A | 0 – 1 | 14,051 | 1st | |
| 23 February 2008 | Metz FC Metz Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its... |
H | 2 – 0 | Fred Frederico Chaves Guedes Frederico Chaves Guedes, nicknamed Fred , is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Brazilian club Fluminense.... |
37,281 | 1st |
| 1 March 2008 | Lille Lille OSC LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the... |
A | 1 – 0 | Fred Frederico Chaves Guedes Frederico Chaves Guedes, nicknamed Fred , is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Brazilian club Fluminense.... |
77,840 | 1st |
| 9 March 2008 | Bordeaux FC Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season.... |
H | 4 – 2 | Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer is a French footballer who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. He usually plays as a central midfielder. He serves as president of amateur French club Évreux FC, located in his hometown.-Early career:Bodmer began his professional career at Évreux AC at the... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Keïta Abdul Kader Keïta Abdel-Kader Keïta is an Ivorian professional football player. Keïta plays as a winger for Al-Sadd in the Qatar Stars League and the Cote d'Ivoire national football team.... |
40,381 | 1st |
| 15 March 2008 | Monaco AS Monaco FC Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille... |
A | 3 – 0 | Keïta Abdul Kader Keïta Abdel-Kader Keïta is an Ivorian professional football player. Keïta plays as a winger for Al-Sadd in the Qatar Stars League and the Cote d'Ivoire national football team.... , Fred Frederico Chaves Guedes Frederico Chaves Guedes, nicknamed Fred , is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Brazilian club Fluminense.... |
12,321 | 1st |
| 23 March 2008 | PSG | H | 4 – 2 | Fred Frederico Chaves Guedes Frederico Chaves Guedes, nicknamed Fred , is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Brazilian club Fluminense.... , Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... , Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... |
37,895 | 1st |
| 30 March 2008 | Valenciennes Valenciennes FC Valenciennes Football Club is a French association football club based in Valenciennes. The club was founded in 1913 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Valenciennes plays its home matches at the recently-built Stade du Hainaut located within the city... |
A | 2 – 1 | Keïta Abdul Kader Keïta Abdel-Kader Keïta is an Ivorian professional football player. Keïta plays as a winger for Al-Sadd in the Qatar Stars League and the Cote d'Ivoire national football team.... , Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... |
15,313 | 1st |
| 6 April 2008 | Marseille | A | 1 – 3 | Cana Lorik Cana Lorik Cana is an Albanian footballer, who plays for Lazio as a defensive midfielder and the Albania national football team. He is the captain for Albania at international level... |
56,271 | 1st |
| 13 April 2008 | Rennes | H | 1 – 1 | Cris Cristiano Marques Gomes Cristiano Marques Gomes or simply Cris, is a Brazilian footballer. He currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais as a centre back and has also represented his country. Also nicknamed "the policeman" by way of reference to his authoritarian nature on the pitch and his four months experience in a police... |
39,900 | 1st |
| 19 April 2008 | RC Strasbourg RC Strasbourg Racing Club de Strasbourg is a French association football club founded in 1906 and professional since 1933, based in the city of Strasbourg, in Alsace... |
A | 2 – 1 | Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer is a French footballer who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. He usually plays as a central midfielder. He serves as president of amateur French club Évreux FC, located in his hometown.-Early career:Bodmer began his professional career at Évreux AC at the... , Grosso Fabio Grosso Fabio Grosso, Ufficiale OMRI is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Juventus. Grosso is primarily a left wingback, but can also play as left back. He is also a free kick, penalty kick and corner kick specialist... |
26,006 | 1st |
| 26 April 2008 | SM Caen SM Caen Stade Malherbe Caen is a professional French football team, playing in the city of Caen, Normandy. The club was founded on 17 November 1913 following the merger of Club Malherbe Caennais and Club Sportif Caennais... |
H | 2 – 2 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
39,068 | 1st |
| 3 May 2008 | Nice OGC Nice Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is... |
A | 0 – 0 | 14,206 | 1st | |
| 10 May 2008 | Nancy AS Nancy Association Sportive Nancy-Lorraine is a French association football club based in Nancy. The club was founded in 1967 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Nancy plays its home matches at the Stade Marcel Picot in Tomblaine, a commune located in the Arrondissement of... |
H | 1 – 0 | Macaluso Damián Macaluso Damián Macaluso Rojas is a Uruguayan footballer of Spanish and Italian descent. He plays as a defender for Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata in the Primera B Nacional.... |
38,190 | 1st |
| 17 May 2008 | AJ Auxerre AJ Auxerre Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the... |
A | 3 – 1 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Fred Frederico Chaves Guedes Frederico Chaves Guedes, nicknamed Fred , is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Brazilian club Fluminense.... , Källström Kim Källström Kim Källström is a left-footed Swedish midfielder playing for the Swedish national team and Olympique Lyonnais.-Early career:Källström's first professional club in Sweden was BK Häcken from Gothenburg but his big breakthrough in Sweden came when he moved to Djurgårdens IF in 2002, where he won the... |
19,799 | 1st |
UEFA Champions League
Lyon made their 7th straight appearance in the UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. They were pitted in the group of death
Group of death
A group of death in a multi-stage tournament is a group which is unusually competitive, because the number of strong competitors in the group is greater than the number of qualifying places available for the next phase of the tournament...
, which featured German
Fußball-Bundesliga
The Fußball-Bundesliga is a professional association football league in Germany. At the top of Germany's football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 18 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the 2. Bundesliga...
champions Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart
Verein für Bewegungsspiele Stuttgart 1893 e. V., commonly known as VfB Stuttgart, is a German sports club based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The club is best known for its football team, which has participated in all but two Bundesliga seasons...
, Spanish
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
giants Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, and Scottish
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
giants Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
. After two disappointing 0–3 losses to Barcelona at the Nou Camp and Rangers at home, Lyon rebounded picking up two important wins in their home-away series against Stuttgart. Following their 2-2 draw at home against Barcelona, Lyon faced a tough challenge as they needed to defeat Rangers at Ibrox in order to advance to the knockout stages. As Rangers only needed a draw, odds were against Lyon. However, after an early goal by Sidney Govou
Sidney Govou
Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace...
, Lyon ended Rangers hope with two late goals from Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability...
sending Lyon to the knockout stages for the 5th consecutive season.
Group E
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spain BarcelonaFC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.... |
6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 14 | |
 France LyonOlympique Lyonnais Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The... |
6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 10 | |
 Scotland RangersRangers F.C. Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses... |
6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 9 | ||
| 7 | ||||||||
 Germany VfB StuttgartVfB Stuttgart Verein für Bewegungsspiele Stuttgart 1893 e. V., commonly known as VfB Stuttgart, is a German sports club based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The club is best known for its football team, which has participated in all but two Bundesliga seasons... |
6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 15 | ||
| 3 |
Results by Round
| Date | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance | Group position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 September 2007 | Barcelona FC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.... |
A | 0 – 3 | 78,689 | 4th | |
| 2 October 2007 | Rangers Rangers F.C. Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses... |
H | 0 – 3 | 38,076 | 4th | |
| 23 October 2007 | Stuttgart VfB Stuttgart Verein für Bewegungsspiele Stuttgart 1893 e. V., commonly known as VfB Stuttgart, is a German sports club based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The club is best known for its football team, which has participated in all but two Bundesliga seasons... |
A | 2 – 0 | Fábio Santos Fábio dos Santos Barbosa Fábio dos Santos Barbosa is a former Brazilian footballer.- Career :Fábio dos Santos stated his career at Sao Paulo state.Fábio dos Santos signed by Lyon in January 2007 from Cruzeiro.... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
51,000 | 3rd |
| 7 November 2007 | Stuttgart VfB Stuttgart Verein für Bewegungsspiele Stuttgart 1893 e. V., commonly known as VfB Stuttgart, is a German sports club based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The club is best known for its football team, which has participated in all but two Bundesliga seasons... |
H | 4 – 2 | Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa Hatem Ben Arfa is a French association football player who plays for English club Newcastle United in the Premier League. He plays as a winger, preferably on the left side, and an attacking midfielder... , Källström Kim Källström Kim Källström is a left-footed Swedish midfielder playing for the Swedish national team and Olympique Lyonnais.-Early career:Källström's first professional club in Sweden was BK Häcken from Gothenburg but his big breakthrough in Sweden came when he moved to Djurgårdens IF in 2002, where he won the... , Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... |
38,215 | 3rd |
| 27 November 2007 | Barcelona FC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.... |
H | 2 – 2 | Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... |
38,113 | 3rd |
| 12 December 2007 | Rangers Rangers F.C. Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses... |
A | 3 – 0 | Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
50,260 | 2nd |
First Knockout Round
Lyon were paired against English champions Manchester United in the Round of 16. After a 1-1 draw at home, Lyon failed to respond at Old TraffordOld Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
losing 0-1 on a Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
goal just before halftime.
| Date | Round | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 February 2008 | First knockout round First leg |
Manchester United | H | 1 – 1 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
39,230 |
| 4 March 2008 | First knockout round Second leg |
Manchester United | A | 0 – 1 | 75,521 |
Coupe de la Ligue
Lyon came into this year's Coupe de la Ligue as the defending runner-ups after losing to BordeauxFC Girondins de Bordeaux
Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season....
in the 2007 final
Coupe de la Ligue Final 2007
The Coupe de la Ligue Final 2007 was a football match held at Stade de France, Saint-Denis on March 31, 2007, that saw FC Girondins de Bordeaux defeat Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 thanks to a goal by Henrique.-Match details:...
. Having made it to the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, Lyon were given their annual bye into the First Knockout round, where they defeated SM Caen
SM Caen
Stade Malherbe Caen is a professional French football team, playing in the city of Caen, Normandy. The club was founded on 17 November 1913 following the merger of Club Malherbe Caennais and Club Sportif Caennais...
3-1. With that win, they were pitted against Le Mans in the quarter-finals. After an early goal by Le Mans midfielder Daisuke Matsui
Daisuke Matsui
is a Japanese footballer who currently plays for Dijon in Ligue 1.-Early years:In 2000, Matsui graduated from and began his professional career with Kyoto Purple Sanga of the J. League.-Kyoto Purple Sanga:...
, Lyon could not break through there sturdy defense as they bowed out of the League Cup for the 7th straight season. Their last cup triumph coming in 2001
Coupe de la Ligue Final 2001
The Coupe de la Ligue Final 2001 was a football match held at Stade de France, Saint-Denis on May 5, 2001, that saw Olympique Lyonnais defeat AS Monaco FC 2-1 thanks to goals by Caçapa and Patrick Müller.-Match details:...
.
Results by Round
| Date | Round | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 October 2007 | First Knockout Round | SM Caen SM Caen Stade Malherbe Caen is a professional French football team, playing in the city of Caen, Normandy. The club was founded on 17 November 1913 following the merger of Club Malherbe Caennais and Club Sportif Caennais... |
A | 3 – 1 | Keïta Abdul Kader Keïta Abdel-Kader Keïta is an Ivorian professional football player. Keïta plays as a winger for Al-Sadd in the Qatar Stars League and the Cote d'Ivoire national football team.... , Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer Mathieu Bodmer is a French footballer who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. He usually plays as a central midfielder. He serves as president of amateur French club Évreux FC, located in his hometown.-Early career:Bodmer began his professional career at Évreux AC at the... , Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
16,336 |
| 16 January 2008 | Quarter-Finals | Le Mans | A | 0 – 1 | 7,934 |
Coupe de France
Lyon got their French CupCoupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
season off to a strong start defeating Championnat National
Championnat National
The Championnat de France National, commonly referred to as simply National or Division 3, serves as the third division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
side US Créteil
US Créteil-Lusitanos
Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos Football is a French football club based in Créteil, a southeastern suburb of Paris. The club was founded in 1936 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third division of French football...
4-0, with Benzema picking up a hat trick
Hat Trick
Hat trick, hat-trick or hattrick may refer to:* hat-trick — in various sports, achieving three goals, wickets, etc. in a single match* Hattrick — online football management game** Hattrick Limited — producers of this game...
. This match was notable as it marked the return of Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet
Grégory Coupet
Grégory Coupet is a retired French association football goalkeeper who last played for Paris Saint-Germain. He has played for clubs such as Saint-Étienne, Lyon, Atlético Madrid. He has also played for the France national team....
who had been out for four months with a torn medial ligament. Following their Round of 32 success, they were pitted against the surprising, yet upset-minded CFA
Championnat de France Amateurs
The Championnat de France amateur, commonly referred to as simply CFA and formerly known as National 2, is a football league competition. The league serves as the fourth division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and the Championnat National...
side Croix de Savoie
Croix de Savoie Gaillard
Evian Thonon Gaillard Football Club is a French association football club originally based in Gaillard near the Swiss border and the city of Geneva. In 2007, the club moved to Thonon-les-Bains. Evian was founded in 2003 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of...
. After a hard-fought first half, it took an 80th-minute strike from Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian striker
Striker
Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals...
Fred
Frederico Chaves Guedes
Frederico Chaves Guedes, nicknamed Fred , is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Brazilian club Fluminense....
to pull Lyon through to the next round where they faced the defending champions FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
. Following an unimpressive first half from both clubs, Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability...
opened the scoring for Lyon in the 56th minute. After holding the score at 1-0, Lyon failed to keep a clean sheet as Kandia Traoré
Kandia Traoré
Kandia Émile Traoré is a football striker who plays for SM Caen.-Club career:He started his career at Tunisian club Esperance de tunis, before moving to Le Havre in 2005, in January 2008, he signed a three and a half deal with Sochaux...
equalised for Sochaux near the beginning of injury time. With extra time looming, Karim Benzema again scored for Lyon to give them the victory and the right to move to the quarterfinals, where they faced relegation-bound FC Metz
FC Metz
Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its...
. Metz, looking to create something special out of a disappointing league season, played very bravely as they tried to pull off a historic upset. However, Karim Benzema again scored for Lyon (his 28th of the season and 6th in the Coupe de France) to give them a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. That would be the eventual scoreline as Lyon advanced to the semifinals where they faced Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
side CS Sedan
CS Sedan Ardennes
Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan , is a French association football club based in Sedan. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Sedan plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez located...
. In one of the more entertaining matches of the cup with both teams displaying their attacking prowess and both goalkeepers stepping up in times of need, it took one of Juninho
Juninho Pernambucano
Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time...
's vintage free kicks to finally knock out the tough Ligue 2 side and thus book Lyon's place in the final
Coupe de France Final 2008
The 2008 Coupe de France Final was a football match that was held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France on 24 May 2008. It was the 90th final in the Coupe de France's history. The final was contested between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Olympique Lyonnais...
at the Stade de France
Stade de France
The Stade de France is the national stadium of France, situated just north of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis. It has an all-seater capacity of 80,000, making it the fifth largest stadium in Europe, and is used by both the France national football team and French rugby union team for...
, where they will faced rivals Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain FC
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club , also known simply as Paris Saint-Germain and familiarly as Paris SG or PSG , is a professional association football club based in Paris, France. The club was founded on 12 August 1970, thanks to the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain...
. The final was heavily contested and eventually headed into extra time. Lyon finally broke through with a goal from Sidney Govou
Sidney Govou
Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace...
. Lyon would hold on to that scoreline as they prevailed to capture their fourth Coupe de France title in their history and the first in the Aulas
Jean-Michel Aulas
Jean-Michel Aulas is a French businessman. He is the founder and CEO of CEGID and serves as the owner and chairman of French football club Olympique Lyonnais whom he has owned since 1987. Aulas has also expanded his branch of football knowledge through Europe...
era. For more information on the final, click below.
Coupe de France Final 2008
Coupe de France Final 2008
The 2008 Coupe de France Final was a football match that was held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France on 24 May 2008. It was the 90th final in the Coupe de France's history. The final was contested between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Olympique Lyonnais...
Results by round
| Date | Round | Opponents | H / A | Result F – A |
Scorers | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 January 2008 | Round of 32 | US Créteil US Créteil-Lusitanos Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos Football is a French football club based in Créteil, a southeastern suburb of Paris. The club was founded in 1936 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third division of French football... |
A | 4 – 0 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... , Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... |
10,640 |
| 3 February 2008 | Round of 16 | Croix de Savoie Croix de Savoie Gaillard Evian Thonon Gaillard Football Club is a French association football club originally based in Gaillard near the Swiss border and the city of Geneva. In 2007, the club moved to Thonon-les-Bains. Evian was founded in 2003 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of... |
A | 1 – 0 | Fred Frederico Chaves Guedes Frederico Chaves Guedes, nicknamed Fred , is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker for Brazilian club Fluminense.... |
7,500 |
| 18 March 2008 | First Knockout Round | Sochaux FC Sochaux-Montbéliard Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city... |
H | 2 – 1 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
20,012 |
| 15 April 2008 | Quarterfinals | FC Metz FC Metz Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its... |
H | 1 – 0 | Benzema Karim Benzema Karim Benzema is a French international footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga. He primarily plays as a striker whose influence can extend out to the wings and is known for his technical ability, powerful style of play, and vast goal-scoring ability... |
27,015 |
| 7 May 2008 | Semi-finals | CS Sedan CS Sedan Ardennes Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan , is a French association football club based in Sedan. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Sedan plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez located... |
H | 1 – 0 | Juninho Juninho Pernambucano Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. , commonly known as Juninho or Juninho Pernambucano, is a Brazilian footballer and dead-ball specialist, currently playing as a midfielder for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A club CR Vasco da Gama. He is considered to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time... |
33,057 |
| 24 May 2008 | Final | PSG Paris Saint-Germain FC Paris Saint-Germain Football Club , also known simply as Paris Saint-Germain and familiarly as Paris SG or PSG , is a professional association football club based in Paris, France. The club was founded on 12 August 1970, thanks to the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain... |
N | 1 – 0 | Govou Sidney Govou Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou is a French international footballer of Beninese descent who currently plays for Évian Thonon Gaillard FC. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker, he is more commonly deployed as a winger. His main attribute is his pace... |
79,204 |
Statistics
- Last updated on 24 May 2008.
|}