Lyon - Rosenborg 2-1
By Håvard Lindheim, 7 December 2005, 10:25
Way into extra time, Rosenborg held theirs against one of Europe's big teams at the moment. But, as so often before in the Champions League, it became clear that almost is not enough.
In all, it was a deserved victory for Lyon, but the way the decisive goal came was met with fury in RBK: Two minutes into extra time, goal scorer Daniel Braaten was left lying in the grass after a duel, on Lyon's half. The home team started an attack, which was stopped by RBK. When Christer Basma was about to play the ball over the line, so that his team mate could get medical attention, Sylvain Wiltord came from behind - snatched the ball - and started a counter attack that the Brasilian Fred finished with the 2-1 score.
"This was French arrogance at its worst, to put it mildly! They had two opportunities to play the ball over the line - first, after Daniel was fouled, and then when Christer tried," Per-Mathias Høgmo stated.
Both RBK and Lyon had freshly composed teams from start this evening. Rosenborg had to do many changes since the three midfield S'es - Strand, Skjelbred and Solli - all were out with injuries, while the home team rested many of their normal first team players for more important tasks. Especially the first half showed us two teams who didn't cooperate well.
"Again we see that we lack match training, and we spend more time before getting our gameplay to work," Høgmo noted.
Alas, Lyon were somewhat better, and lead by John Carew they grabbed the lead after half an hour: "Keru" fought his way past Mikael Dorsin, and sent a fine pass 45° out to his young team mate Karim Benzema (17), who easily - and firmly - sent the ball into the net.
After the break, the RBK machinery picked up some speed.
"When we get the rythm going, we see that our team treats the ball well and creates chances," Høgmo smiled.
Thorstein Helstad abused the first great RBK chance when he, from point blank, headed a pass from Frode Johnsen into the post. Shortly thereafter, Helstad had to leave the field after having been kicked in the face by the unfortunate defender Cris.
Others had, then, to take responsibility in the central forward area, and Danield Braaten was set up as the front man. "The Ox" didn't use many minutes to score: Halfway through the second half, he dived forth and steered in a precice free kick from Øyvind Storflor with his forehead. In the ball went, between the feet of reserve goalie Rémy Vercoutre.
Lyon then started some fierce attacks, but after Espen Johnsen had contributed with some fabulous saves, the French will to attack dwindled.
And then it looked like a tie, until the mentioned goal by Fred. In other words, the 68th and last (for many years) Champions League game for Rosenborg got a sad ending.
PS! Roar Strand has missed just two of the aforenamed matches - this away game against Lyon, and the same game in 2002.
Match Details
Olympique Lyonnais
2-1
ROSENBORG
Karim Benzema 33
Fred 90
Daniel Braaten 68
Tuesday 6 December 2005 20:45 Champions League, group stage, Stade de Gerland, Lyon
Attendance: 40,425
