Aulas hungry for Lyon's share

The Olympique Lyonnais contingent gathered early at the UEFA Champions League draw in Paris, settling into their assigned seats long before the delegations from other clubs had arrived. Cameras turned their gaze on Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, clearly enjoying the moment. The famous trophy, the symbol of a tournament dreamt up in the offices of L'Equipe, was back in Paris 50 years after the French capital had hosted the first final. Aulas's objective: to keep it in the country. "We have had the Stade de France in our minds for a very long time, since we knew the final would be held there," he said. "It's something not to be missed."

'Destiny'
The magnificence of Paris's Hôtel de Ville was a fitting setting as Europe's élite gathered to discover who they would be paired with in the run-in to the final up the road in St Denis. A deep intake of breath was audible as Lyon drew AC Milan, with a potential semi-final against FC Barcelona to come. A tough draw, but the Lyon president was serene as the media pack swarmed around him. The narrowest of defeats against PSV Eindhoven on penalties last season had deprived Lyon of a last-four meeting with the Rossoneri; fate had presented the chance to complete some unfinished business. "It's true, this game against Milan could have taken place last season," he said. "We would have played them if it wasn't for bad luck against Eindhoven. Destiny has let us pick up last year's story again."

Formidable force
Only this time, no one would be surprised if Lyon produced the sting in the tail PSV came so close to inflicting on Milan last term. Lyon are the only side other than Milan to have reached the quarter-finals in each of the past three seasons. The French club are no longer considered soft opponents. As their comprehensive defeat of PSV proved, Lyon are a formidable force under Gérard Houllier. "Our objective is to get to the final, and to do that means beating the likes of Milan and Barcelona," Aulas said. "You can't talk about easy or difficult teams. Two years ago we were drawn against Porto in the quarter-final - they won the competition. Last year we had PSV who pushed Milan to the limit in the semi-final."

Low point
France will look to Lyon to continue to illuminate an otherwise dispiriting continental campaign. Lyon are the sole survivors of the eight French sides that started the campaign in European competition, and away from the Stade Gerland there has not been much to shout about in Ligue 1 either. A lack of goals has set minds in the French league searching for ways to spice up the sport, and the powers-that-be have also had to contend with a rise in hooliganism as clashes between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain FC supporters have shifted focus from the pitch to the terraces.

'Superb party'
Through it all Lyon go from strength to strength. Aulas took charge of the club in 1987 and delivered their first title in 2002. A French-record fifth consecutive crown already looks a certainty. Before then, though, come Milan. "For our fans it will be a superb party," Aulas said. "We have never played Milan in the UEFA Champions League. They are a big club, so we will have to be even tougher than usual." With a final on home soil so enticingly close, it may be the mighty Milan who find things tougher than normal.