Olympique Lyonnais President Hails Champions League Victory Over Liverpool

Jean-Michel Aulas, president of Olympique Lyonnais, has claimed that his side’s victory over Liverpool in the Champions League was an “authentic achievement”.

On an evening of shocks, OL caused one of the greatest, coming from behind to defeat the Reds at Anfield, despite playing over half the match without a recognised centre-back. An injury sustained to Cris just before half-time forced him off the field and young holding midfielder Maxime Gonalons into a central defensive berth, where he played alongside fellow auxiliary Jeremy Toulalan.

However, this switch did not stop les Gones from claiming victory, Gonalons scoring the levelling goal.

“To win by one goal at Anfield is incredible, especially with the injury to Cris and the absence of four other centre-backs,” beamed Aulas after the fixture to the AFP news agency. “Gonalons made his debut in a position that is not his.

“It was a foolish bet, but before the match we had a good feeling. [General manager] Claude Puel has made things simple for everyone.”

Meanwhile, goal hero Gonalons has spoken of his evening in the heart of the rearguard, treating it as just another experience. “I knew we had problems in central defence,” he said. “Claude Puel had warned me that I must be ready. I'm not used to playing in central defence, but I talked well with Toulalan.

“On my goal, I saw the ball coming. I threw myself and I did not pose any questions.”

Though Gonalons levelled the match, a late tap-in from Cesar Delgado won it for the French side, who now stand on the brink of qualification, having won all three of their Group E matches to date.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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