Real Madrid Vs. Lyon: 2011 Champions League Predictions & TV Time

The 2011 Champions League R16 match-up between Real Madrid and Lyon is set for February 22 (first leg) and March 16 (second leg) at 20:45 GMT in the UK or 2:45 PM EST in the United States. For U.S. fans, Fox Sports Net (FSN) will provide TV coverage for this game. Real Madrid earns a spot in the knockout stage by topping Group C without a single loss; Lyon finishes second in one of the weakest groups in the preliminary stage. This article provides TV time and predictions for the 2011 Champions League Last 16 match-up between Real Madrid and Lyon.

1) Real Madrid vs. Lyon Head to Head

This 2011 Champions League R16 contest will feature La Liga champion Real Madrid and Olympique Lyon, a 7-time winner of Ligue 1. Since 2005, the two teams have encountered six times with Lyon dominating the series 3-0-3. The last time Real Madrid and Lyon played was in the 2010 Champions League Round of 16; the latter won the contest by the aggregate score of 2-1. The intangibles appear clearly to be on Lyon's side at the moment.

2) Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Hugo Lloris

The highly anticipated match-up pits one of the world's most prolific playmakers against France's finest goalkeeper. The two star players have enjoyed a fine season statistically. Cristiano Ronaldo is currently tied with Lionel Messi as this season's top scorer in the La Liga. He has also performed well in the Champions League, amassing four goals and 2 assists in 6 contested games. Likewise, Lyon's Hugo Lloris has also played well. The two-time French Goalkeeper of the Year has accumulated to date 71 saves in 23 games (including 6 shutouts.) If Lyon is to win this contest, the team will need two great performances from Lloris against Ronaldo and company.

3) Real Madrid vs. Lyon 2011 Preview

=>CONTINUE ON PAGE 2

Along with the Inter-Bayern and Barcelona-Arsenal matchups, the 2011 Champions League contest between Real Madrid and Lyon is a highlight of this year's Round of 16. This is because the two participating teams are household names in European club football. Both have won their domestic leagues multiple times, and are regular participants of the Champions League. This match-up has all the ingredients of a highly entertaining affair.

On paper, Real Madrid is strongly favored to win the contest against Lyon as Real's roster is stacked with world-class talents. The team's talent pool includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Iker Casillas, and Mesut Özil. Moreover, Real Madrid enters this contest in very good form, enjoying a 10-game unbeaten streak. Most importantly, this is the team's first year under coach Jose Mourinho-whose reputation is built on a strong Champions League legacy. Mourinho, who won two Champions League titles as a manager, has a chance to win back-to-back honors with two different teams. It is a sure bet that he will have his team extremely prepared for this occasion.

Unfortunately, Lyon is likely to give Real Madrid a run for its money. While the French club does not have the star power of its Spanish counterpart, it is well-coached and highly disciplined. Moreover, Lyon's record against Real Madrid is surprisingly strong. The team has won three consecutive Champions League series against Real. In term of form, Lyon enters this contest playing mediocre football. The team is a shocking 5th in the Ligue 1 standings, and is in danger of missing out on next year's Champions League. A defeat here will be a utter disaster for the 7-time French champion.

My prediction for the 2011 Champions League Round of 16 contest between Real Madrid and Lyon: the Spanish champion breaks its losing spell against Lyon and wins by the aggregate score of 4-2. The games will be broadcast by Fox Sports Net (FSN).

Reference:
UEFA.COM