Champions League Player Ratings: Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 APOEL

Had almost literally nothing to do. His first and only save came in the 88th minute, when he turned a Manduca shot over the top.

Back in the side after being dropped at the weekend following a poor showing against Lorient a week ago, the Brazilian was typically uncompromising in the challenge, but on the ball he still appeared short of match sharpness.

Has recently returned from the Afcon, and looked fully recovered from the experience, robbing Ailton whenever the striker was left one-on-one with him. Although the former Guingamp centre-back had a tendency to go to ground a little quickly, his timing was always immaculate.

Made a number of telling bursts down the right hand side and nearly opened the scoring midway through the first half when he had a fierce drive blocked in the box. Defensively, he was the most threatened of the Lyon rearguard.

At times the left-back’s form has been questionable, but he was able to push forward in a dangerous manner down his channel. When he got into a crossing position, though, his delivery tended to be disappointing.

Usually a player renowned for his excellent work over a dead ball, the Swede was rather lacking in this department tonight. Did break up play expertly in the centre, and used possession wisely, finding a good balance between the ambitious and the steady.

Made an incisive break around the 20 minute mark, brilliantly spinning one man then beating another, but delayed his pass too long. Always looked to penetrate, and though he sometimes overdid things, he came close to scoring early in the second half when he rounded the keeper but had his shot cleared from the line.

Something of a mixed performance from a young holding midfielder who has really come to the fore this season. While his defensive work was up to scratch, some of his passing was a little sloppy, and he could have contributed more going forward.

A characteristically industrious game from the Argentine attacker, but this was otherwise not his night. Lacked his usual assurance when placed in front of goal, fluffing a couple of half chances.

Preferred to Bafetimbi Gomis in attack after showing plenty of promise in recent games, and he looked full of confidence, prepared to run at the Cypriot defence from wide areas. Sometimes wasteful in possession, his persistence paid dividends as he opened the scoring with a deflected shot.

His shot-stopping was full of assurance, with his best moment being a block from Lacazette just before half time, and he was only beaten by a deflected strike. Did not look quite so comfortable when it came to crossed balls, and was done some favours by the referee, who generously gave him free kicks when he was challenged.

Shrugged off injury to return to the squad for this match, and was the keystone in the APOEL defence, making several telling blocks. Denied Ederson with a goal line clearance early in the second half. Was a real rallying point for his team-mates, despite his recent troubles.

Unflustered in the heart of the defence, the Brazilian showed fine discipline throughout and would not be easily drawn out of position by the Lyon attack. Showed a real appetite for defending.

Had the hardest task of all the APOEL defenders, and he was the point of the rearguard that was most often exposed. Didn’t make any particularly glaring errors, but Lyon attacked most potently down his flank, nevertheless.

Missed last weekend’s match because of suspension, and he was certainly keen to use his physical attributes against the young Lacazette. A poor touch midway through the first half might have been punished harshly by the youth, but he shot over.

Given a holding role in the heart of the APOEL side, and the captain produced a disciplined performance. Rarely ventured over the halfway line, but his job was primarily defensive, and he stuck to that task impressively. Withdrawn late on.

Lucky not to concede a penalty kick in the very early stages of the match, committing what appeared to be a foul on Ederson. Looked to disrupt at every opportunity.

Showed some wonderful technique in the middle of the field, providing a platform that allowed APOEL to set up their rare attacking movements. Looked his side’s most accomplished player, but failed to get on the ball too much.

Offered perhaps the greatest threat from the visitors down the left flank during the first half and was willing to track back and work hard for his side. Far more subdued after the break, as APOEL offered an extremely limited offensive threat.

His first real individual moment of note came early in the second half, when he blatantly kicked out at Lisandro and was justly booked, meaning he is suspended for the second leg. A steady performance from the sober midfielder.