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Gomis ready to restore Lyon's pride

Striker Bafétimbi Gomis says that by showing "pride and belief" Olympique Lyonnais can prove a point against a Real Madrid CF side who recently beat them 4-0 in Group D.

Gomis ready to restore Lyon's pride
Gomis ready to restore Lyon's pride ©UEFA.com

After "fully deserving" their 4-0 matchday three defeat by Real Madrid CF, striker Bafétimbi Gomis is convinced Olympique Lyonnais can at least make a point against José Mourinho's charges in Wednesday's home fixture. "I don't think the gulf is as wide as it seemed over there," he told UEFA.com, "so now it's up to us to show our pride and belief".

Lyon went into their encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu with a creditable recent record against the nine-time winners. However, Gomis admits the Ligue 1 side were outplayed by Madrid, who scored through Sami Khedira, Sergio Ramos and a Hugo Lloris own goal after taking a half-time lead through Karim Benzema.

"We came up against a team who were stronger than us," said the 26-year-old French international. "We conceded a bad goal and then didn't really play as a team. We had an awful game. Without taking anything away from the opposition, we started badly, made it easy for them after conceding from a set piece quite early on and then we were poor in every department."

Despite Madrid's dominant display Gomis is nonetheless convinced his side can learn the harsh lessons doled out in the Spanish capital. "I am positive," he said. "For the next game we just need to avoid making the same mistakes. Sometimes you can learn from a game like that; we'll try and ensure we don't repeat the same mistakes.

"Their team hasn't changed that much, they have world-class players and a coach who has a strong personality, and who is a good fit for them. Madrid have good individual players up front; they are a great team that have been put together to win the competition."

Gomis is no slouch in attack either, having plundered 27 goals in 83 league appearances since joining OL in 2009. He has also had success in Europe's premier club competition, including an equaliser in the round of 16 first leg against Madrid last season.

"I was lucky enough to score against Real when we snatched a draw with them at home [last season]. It's always nice to score against such a quality side. It was emotional – it's nice to score against an institution like Real Madrid – but as a striker, they say your best goal is your next one.

"We are not exactly seeking revenge because I think they fully deserved their [recent] win. I don't think it was a decisive game, it hasn't jeopardised our chances of qualifying. Now we need to be competitive and try and get at least one point, in order to keep on moving towards qualification."