Westerveld eyes Lyon revenge

By Andy Hall in San Sebastian

Real Sociedad de Fútbol goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has vowed to avenge tonight's UEFA Champions League defeat by Olympique Lyonnais in the return leg in a fortnight. "We have no option but to go out and attack them," he told uefa.com.

'All or nothing'
The Dutchman kept Real in the tie, stopping efforts from Michael Essien, Juninho Pernambucano, Sidney Govou and Vikash Dhorasoo as the Spanish side's defence was breached time and again. Westerveld added: "We didn't play our usual game but at least we know what we are up against for the return leg. It will be all or nothing from now on."

Jinking run
Westerveld could do nothing to prevent the only goal of the game after 18 minutes. Brazilian playmaker Juninho was involved in the build-up, releasing Florent Malouda who jinked past his marker Aitor López on the left and sent in a cross which Gabriel Schurrer could only deflect into his own net.

Juninho chances
The strike came against the run of play but thereafter, Lyon carved out the better opportunities and should have increased their lead. Three times, the influential Juninho came close from free-kicks and the Brazilian shot wildly over when he had just Westerveld to beat.

Real risk
Real coach Raynald Denoueix took a risk in fielding midfield player Valeri Karpin, who was struggling with a thigh injury. But it was a decision that was almost rewarded when the Russian's late free-kick cannoned back into play after hitting the crossbar. Denoueix conceded: "The result puts Lyon in the driving seat now."

Lyon dilemma
But the French coach claimed that psychologically Lyon may suffer from going into the second leg with a lead. "Now they are the ones who are under pressure and must make the decision of whether to attack or protect their lead," he said. "They obviously have a better chance of reaching the next stage of the tournament."

Comfortable Coupet
Denoueix had tried to change things round by making three substitutions towards the end of the game. Chun-Soo Lee, Mikel Aranburu and Óscar De Paula all came on but did little to threaten Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet, who had a comfortable night. His only concern came when that Karpin effort struck the upright.

Le Guen delight
Victorious Lyon coach Paul Le Guen was delighted his defence held firm for over 70 minutes at the Anoeta to put the French side in pole position to secure a place in the quarter-finals. "Bearing in mind what Real are capable of, we can be pleased with ourselves," he said.

'Timid start'
Le Guen felt that the goal came against the run of play, but once Lyon were ahead they deserved to stay there: "We started timidly and allowed them to control the game and so the goal came at a good time for us. We could even have grabbed a second but having said that we could have also conceded one. Obviously I'm very happy with the result."

Return leg crucial
Lyon defender Jérémie Berthod added: "We have come to San Sebastian and beaten a good side but we have not qualified yet. The most important game will be played in Lyon and we know that it will be very different to this."

Amstel Man of the Match: Juninho Pernambucano
Lyon's Juninho has been selected as the Amstel Man of the Match voted by uefa.com users. Juninho topped the vote with 30 per cent of users choosing him for his all-action display after returning from injury. His performance deserved a goal but this accolade will provide some consolation.