Le Guen takes pride in show of character

Olympique Lyonnais coach Paul Le Guen praised his side's character and determination after they had come from behind to draw 3-3 with Internazionale FC at the Stade Gerland to stay top of UEFA Champions League Group D.

Show of character
"I am proud of my players," Le Guen said. "They gave everything tonight. It was a very intense and tough match, one that demanded my players show their character. They found the character to score the third, which was not easy as they were very tired by the end.

Winning run
"We are now on a good run of results [unbeaten in six matches] but we must build on that. We are in a good position, but we still have two important games ahead and we will have to play with the same determination if we are to qualify."

Deserved lead
In a thrilling encounter, Lyon picked up from where they had left off following their 2-1 win at the San Siro three weeks ago. The French side dominated early on and deservedly went ahead through Sonny Anderson on 21 minutes.

Tactical switch
Inter had no answer to Lyon's incisive passing in midfield and midway through the half Inter coach Héctor Cúper was forced into a tactical switch, replacing Luigi Di Biagio with Matias Almeyda. The change soon bore fruit when Claudio Caçapa turned Javier Zanetti's cross into his own goal for the equaliser.

Timely change
"There were a lot of different situations in the game and it was my job to make the right changes at the right time," Cúper said. "We were losing too many balls in midfield in the opening 20 minutes so we had to reorganise."

Crespo double
Even so, it was the home side who went into the break in front, courtesy of Carrière on 44 minutes. But Inter hit back, through Crespo on 56 and 66 minutes, and looked to be on their way to victory before Anderson pounced to earn his side a point with 15 minutes remaining.

High level
The Brazilian striker had scored Lyon's winner at the San Siro and was delighted to add two more in his side's quest for qualification. "We played at a very high level and it was a real pleasure for me," Anderson said. "Lyon have again showed how strong we are collectively and mentally. I am happy with my two goals as they give us reason to believe we can qualify going into the last two games."

'Logical result'
Second-placed Inter are level on five points with AFC Ajax in Group D, two behind Lyon, and after falling behind twice in the match, Cúper was ultimately content to come away with a point. "The result is good for us because it gives us a good chance of qualifying, even if tonight I felt a little bit disappointed as we were leading with 15 minutes to go," he said. "But we must not forget that Lyon led twice in this game so this is a logical result."