Skip to content

Skipper fancies Lyon progress

Image: Juninho: Wants to continue adventure

Juninho feels Lyon are capable of securing a win at Rangers to qualify for the knockout phase.

Brazilian looking for three points at Ibrox

Juninho Pernambucano feels Lyon are capable of securing a win at Rangers to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase. Lyon's 2-2 home draw with Barcelona on Tuesday leaves the French champions requiring three points from the trip to Ibrox in a fortnight. A draw would be enough to take Rangers through to the last 16, but Lyon captain Juninho is determined to progress in the competition. "It is a final for us," admitted Juninho.

Adventure

"This match gives us the opportunity, should we win, to continue our Champions League adventure. "We still have to concentrate on our upcoming league matches but, if we play to our level, we are capable of winning in Glasgow." Lyon lost 2-0 at Rangers' Old Firm rivals Celtic four years ago and Brazilian playmaker Juninho is expecting a tough test in Scotland once again. He added: "We have lost two matches in the Champions League (this season), but we still cling on to this hope of qualifying and hope to play at our level.
Intimidating
"Over there, it is never easy. We already had a difficult experience in 2003 against Celtic. We were really in trouble and there was an intimidating atmosphere at the stadium. "But we have players with experience who can help the younger players and that can make the difference. "Our team is still progressing and are playing well - well enough in my opinion to allow us to qualify."