Remi Garde was pleased to see Lyon establish a first-leg lead in their last-16 showdown with Apoel Nicosia, but admits the tie is still hanging in the balance.
Lyon boss admits last-16 tie hangs in the balance
Remi Garde was pleased to see Lyon establish a first-leg lead in their last-16 showdown with Apoel Nicosia, but admits the tie is still hanging in the balance.
The French outfit secured a narrow 1-0 victory over their Cypriot opponents on Tuesday to edge towards the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
A deflected effort from Alexandre Lacazette proved to be the difference between the two sides at Stade Gerland, with Apoel having held their own for long periods.
Garde admitted after the game that he had hoped to be in a more commanding position, with there still all to play for heading into the return date on 7th March.
"It is a result that gives us a chance to book our qualification in Nicosia," he said.
"Am I disappointed? It is difficult to have an opinion after such a match. We would like to have scored a second goal, but I am not disappointed.
Objective
"We did our best against a team that caused trouble to plenty of others this season.
"It is very difficult for me to evaluate our chances of getting through. We will have to be perfectly ready for the return leg.
"The first objective was not to concede a goal. Now Nicosia will be forced to attack."
On his midweek match-winner, Garde added: "Lacazette played very well and looked lively.
"He enjoyed a good match before he had to come off after complaining of a muscle problem."
