Benzema returns to give Real the edge

BAFETIMBI GOMIS struck a late equaliser for Lyon but Real Madrid will be favourites to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in seven years thanks to Karim Benzema’s away goal.

Benzema, who joined Madrid from Lyon in 2009, scored just seconds after coming on as a 64th-minute substitute to put Madrid ahead in last night’s last-16, first leg tie.

Madrid could not hold onto that advantage with Gomis volleying home in the 83rd minute, but Jose Mourinho’s men will fancy their chances in the second leg at the Bernabeu.

LYON: Lloris, Reveillere, Cris, Lovren, Cissokho, Michel Bastos (Briand 70), Gourcuff, Toulalan, Kallstrom (Pjanic 77), Delgado (Pied 70), Gomis.

REAL MADRID: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Carvalho, Arbeloa, Di Maria, Alonso, Khedira (Diarra 68), Ozil (Marcelo 75), Ronaldo, Adebayor (Benzema 64).

Referee: W Stark (Germany).