How have the Reds fared against Lyon?
We’re edging closer to the start of our pre-season matches, with Manchester United's clash against Leeds in Oslo on 12 July being followed by game against Lyon in Edinburgh a week later.
The Reds have faced the French side just four times previously and are currently unbeaten against the Ligue 1 outfit, winning two and drawing two.
Though not regular opponents of United, there will still be some familiar faces on the touchline as they are currently under the guidance of former Reds defender Laurent Blanc. Argentinian defender Nicolas Tagliafico also joined their ranks last term, having previously worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
Ahead of our second instalment of pre-season action, we’re taking a look back at our meetings with Lyon over the years, all of which came in the UEFA Champions League.
Though not regular opponents of United, there will still be some familiar faces on the touchline as they are currently under the guidance of former Reds defender Laurent Blanc. Argentinian defender Nicolas Tagliafico also joined their ranks last term, having previously worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
Ahead of our second instalment of pre-season action, we’re taking a look back at our meetings with Lyon over the years, all of which came in the UEFA Champions League.
15 September 2004: Lyon 2 United 2
Our first-ever competitive clash against Lyon came on their home turf of Stade de Gerland, where we were drawn together in the group stages of the Champions League. The French side hit the ground running just after the half-hour mark, when Cristiano Gomez Cris fired them ahead. That opener was soon followed by Pierre-Alain Frau doubling their tally on the brink of half-time. The Reds had somewhat of a mountain to climb in the second 45, and thanks Ruud van Nistelrooy’s quick-fire double, we managed to come from behind to secure a point against the hosts.
Our first-ever competitive clash against Lyon came on their home turf of Stade de Gerland, where we were drawn together in the group stages of the Champions League. The French side hit the ground running just after the half-hour mark, when Cristiano Gomez Cris fired them ahead. That opener was soon followed by Pierre-Alain Frau doubling their tally on the brink of half-time. The Reds had somewhat of a mountain to climb in the second 45, and thanks Ruud van Nistelrooy’s quick-fire double, we managed to come from behind to secure a point against the hosts.
23 November 2004: United 2 Lyon 1
The reverse fixture came in the midst of the winter break, with the Reds welcoming our opponents to Old Trafford for the very first time. An unlikely goalscorer in Gary Neville got the ball rolling for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 20 minutes into the game, but Mahamadou Diarra was on target before the half-time whistle sounded to level the score. Just as he did in the away encounter, Van Nistelrooy proved the difference-maker with his 53rd-minute finish. The win saw United progress to the next round as runners-up in Group D.
The reverse fixture came in the midst of the winter break, with the Reds welcoming our opponents to Old Trafford for the very first time. An unlikely goalscorer in Gary Neville got the ball rolling for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 20 minutes into the game, but Mahamadou Diarra was on target before the half-time whistle sounded to level the score. Just as he did in the away encounter, Van Nistelrooy proved the difference-maker with his 53rd-minute finish. The win saw United progress to the next round as runners-up in Group D.
20 February 2008: Lyon 1 United 1
Yet another closely contested affair between these two sides on the biggest stage in domestic football came four years on from our initial encounter, in the 2007/08 campaign. This time it was a knockout clash, as we locked horns in the Round of 16. Karim Benzema, a year before his move to Real Madrid, edged the hosts in front before the end of the first 45. Once again, the Reds found ourselves down at Stade de Gerland, but it was the turn of Carlos Tevez to provide the heroics with an 87th-minute equaliser that ensured we had it all to play for going into the second leg at home.
Yet another closely contested affair between these two sides on the biggest stage in domestic football came four years on from our initial encounter, in the 2007/08 campaign. This time it was a knockout clash, as we locked horns in the Round of 16. Karim Benzema, a year before his move to Real Madrid, edged the hosts in front before the end of the first 45. Once again, the Reds found ourselves down at Stade de Gerland, but it was the turn of Carlos Tevez to provide the heroics with an 87th-minute equaliser that ensured we had it all to play for going into the second leg at home.
04 March 2008: United 1 Lyon 0
Back under the lights of Old Trafford, for yet another big occasion, the Reds welcomed Lyon for what would be our final competitive clash with them to date. Unsurprisingly, it was an end-to-end affair that took just the one goal to separate the two teams. Fortunately, that winner fell by the way of United, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half goal sealing safe passage to the next round. The Reds would go on to win the Champions League come the end of this campaign, crowned champions that dramatic rain-soaked final against Chelsea in Moscow.
Back under the lights of Old Trafford, for yet another big occasion, the Reds welcomed Lyon for what would be our final competitive clash with them to date. Unsurprisingly, it was an end-to-end affair that took just the one goal to separate the two teams. Fortunately, that winner fell by the way of United, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half goal sealing safe passage to the next round. The Reds would go on to win the Champions League come the end of this campaign, crowned champions that dramatic rain-soaked final against Chelsea in Moscow.
BUY TICKETS FOR UNITED V LYON
Games between United and Lyon have been few and far between over the years, so now is your chance to see them go toe-to-toe for a fifth time.
Kick-off in Scotland is at 14:00 BST, at BT Murrayfield, and will be your last chance to see the Reds before we jet off to America for Tour 2023.
Visit this link to buy tickets for the pre-season clash on Wednesday 19 July through Ticketmaster, with remaining availability starting from £33.75.
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