Le Underrated

The team that nobody saw coming: Lyon. Take a good look at them now, because they're going places in the Champions League. Getting rid of Benzema could have been a blessing in disguise. Check out who they bought: Gomis, Cissokho, and Lisandro. All for getting rid of a single striker (and the aging Juninho). They recieved very little press coverage and have been quietly turning themselves into a force to be reckoned with.

Lyon have scored 7 goals and conceded 1 in the Champions League. Considering their opponents, that is impressive. Lyon went to Anfield and got a win. Now, let's not forget that Gerrard and Torres were absent, but a win at Anfield is a win at Anfield. Last season, Liverpool had the most high-powered offense in the league. Lyon let in a single goal from them and scored 2 of their own. Then they blanked Fiorentina, a small club that is quickly rising to the level of Champions League regulars. Fiorentina's offense is no less potent; Mutu, Gilardino, Jovetic, with Vargas adding goals and support from Zanetti and Montolivo in the midfield. That says quite a bit about Lyon's defense. They are now virtually guaranteed to finish top of their group, and who knows what could happen from there.

Meanwhile, we could see Liverpool parachute into the Europa League. I hope they do, because it is pretty much the only thing that can guarantee Rafa getting the sack. Bye bye.

Lyon can take on almost any team in the Champions League right now. Chelsea and Barcelona are the two exceptions, and of course the unpredictable AC Milan. But look for them to head to the quarterfinals this season. You heard it here first.