Lyon to edge out Real Sociedad in cagey play-off clash

Although Arsenal’s tricky trip to Fenerbahce is perhaps the most discussed match in the Champions League play-off round, Lyon vs Real Sociedad could be the highlight.

Both teams have started the season well, but Lyon’s European experience and home advantage will be enough for them to claim a win in the first leg.

Lyon are 21/20 favourites to win the match, while Sociedad are priced at 11/4, and the draw 9/4.

Lyon were the side that defeated Real Sociedad on their last sojourn in the Champions League in 2003/04, beating the Spanish side 2-0 on aggregate in the round of 16.

Last season La Real stunned La Liga to finish in fourth ahead of Valencia, and despite losing their coach Philippe Montanier and selling star midfielder Asier Illarramendi to Real Madrid, they started the new campaign well with a 2-0 win over Getafe.

Carlos Vela opened the scoring in that match with a delightful chip, and the former Arsenal player is 13/2 to open the scoring at the Stade de Gerland, and 2/1 to score at any time.

Lyon also lost important players this summer, but confounded their critics by starting the Ligue 1 season with two wins, scoring seven goals in the process.

The French side won 2-0 on aggregate in the previous qualification round against Grasshoppers, but will know they need to take a lead to Spain to ensure they reach the group stages, with both Lyon and Sociedad priced at 5/6 to win the tie.

The much maligned Yoann Gourcuff and Arsenal target Clement Grenier have both been in sparkling form, providing striker Alexandre Lacazette with the chances to score three times in the league already.

At 6/1, Lacazette is a good bet for first goal scorer against Sociedad, with Grenier and Gourcuff both available at 8/1.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing

Bet Now. New customers can bet £10 and get £30 in free bets