Former Olympique Lyon ace Michael Essien believes it is not beyond the French outfit to spring a surprise on favourites Bayern Munich in the clubs’ Champions League semi-final clash on Wednesday.
The German champions go into the game after their 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona, with Lyon beating Manchester City to progress.
The winners will have a final date with Paris Saint-Germain, who beat German side RB Leipzig in the first semi-final to book what will be their first ever appearance in the Champions League final.
Michael Essien has paid his dues. He knows all about playing in the #ucl semi-final and has an advice for Bayern against his former club, Lyon.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/88tLKlXcLc
— #3sports (@3SportsGh) August 19, 2020
“It’s possible [for Lyon to win], especially in this one-off tournament format, anything can happen in 90 minutes so you can’t rule them out,” Essien told TV3.
“In the Champions League, they have the same old traits of hard work, belief and good organisation.
“They play to their strengths regardless of the opposition and that’s why they are doing so well.”
Essien played for the French giants between 2003 to 2005, helping the club reach the quarter finals of the competition before moving to Chelsea.
The Ghanaian midfielder also played for Real Madrid, AC Milan, Greek side Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung in Indonesia and most recently Azerbaijani outfit Sabail.
