It's a bizarre coincidence that Real Sociedad's last European match, almost a decade ago, was against Olympique Lyonnais. On that occasion, the Basques crashed out of the Champions League round of 16. On Tuesday night the sides meet again upon La Real's return to European competition, though this time they're playing just for a place in the group stages.
Olympique Lyonnais vs. Real Sociedad, 2013 UEFA Champions League: Preview and TV schedule
Lyon host Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday, in one of the most intriguing match-ups.
Lyon are also hoping for a return to the Champions League, having not participated in the group stages last season. Their dominance of French football has come to a rather abrupt end, though, finishing third last season, they're still a force to be reckoned with. For this match, they have first-choice goalkeeper Rémy Vercoutre out with a knee injury, while Mouhamadou Dabo and Rachid Ghezzal are both doubtful. Stars Yoann Gourcuff and Clément Grenier are expected to play.
Real Sociedad may have lost midfielder Asier Illarramendi to Real Madrid this summer, though their confident 2-0 season-opening win against Getafe hints they're still one of the best of La Liga's rest. They could be without José Ángel, Mikel González and Imanol Agirretxe here, while Diego Ifrán is out for six months recovering from a knee injury. Carlos Vela and Haris Seferović should spearhead La Real's attack, with both scoring in their weekend win.
Olympique Lyonnais injuries and suspensions
Out: Rémy Vercoutre (knee). In doubt: Mouhamadou Dabo (hamstring), Rachid Ghezzal (back).
Real Sociedad injuries and suspensions
Out: Diego Ifrán (knee). In doubt: José Ángel (hamstring), Mikel González (neck), Imanol Agirretxe (hamstring).
Match Date\Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stade de Gerland, Lyon, France
TV: Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), beIN Sport 1 (France)
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