I know I normally do a post match write up after CL matches, but I'm running short of time and won't be able to do the usual photo and video fest. Plus most of what needed to be said has already been posted in the comments of this thread. So here are some additional thoughts:

1. Lyon are taking the concept of "the best defense is a good offense" a little too far.

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Ahhh, hopefully we can have a slight respite from the recent Franco-Italian war that has errupted in our comments section of the post-Lyon-Fiorentina CL match, and during the lull in hostilities, get back to enjoying some L1 action!

Saturday, Lyon travel to Le Stade Jules Deschaseaux in the the northwestern region of Haute-Normandie to take on one of this year's promoted clubs, Le Havre AC.

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Yet another twist in the Bradley transfer saga as the deadline approaches in just five days. After there seeming to be much interest from Monaco for Heerenveen's American midfielder Michael Bradley a few weeks ago, they then focused on Betis Seville's Marko Babic as a new offensive option. This morning here in Europe, word has come out on Footmercato. Click to continue reading...

Seems centre-back Fabricio Colocini is all set to join Newcastle from Deportivo de La Coruña after the clubs agreed a fee - reportedly around £10 million. Does the big Argentinian know what he's getting himself into? Newcastle United is where defender's careers go to die. The bones of once respected centre-backs that currently litter St James' [. Click to continue reading...

My second favorite signing of the season- and I'm sure Cris' favorite- was realized on Monday. John Mensah is officially Lyon's new left-center back. After weeks of waiting for Sebastian Squillaci's transfer to FC Sevilla to be finalized, Mensah is Lyonnais.

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I've totally been avoiding writing about this because part of me still believes that it's only a nightmare...But man, out of the eleven OL players in Euro 2008, only one will be showing his face in the quarterfinals.

I have nine other identical pictures just like this.

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Word on the street is that Sevilla are very interested in Sebastien Squillaci - so interested that they have already made a €5m offer to Lyon and have come to an agreement with the player. Lyon have agreed to the transfer in principle but want more money from Sevilla.

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Since it's May 28 and all the Euro 2008 rosters have been finalized, let's take a look at Italy's biggest rivals from Group C. It may be called the "Group of Death", but I am talking of course about France. Coach Raymond Domenech had already made a "Pre-selection" list of 30 players some weeks ago, eventually cutting [. Click to continue reading...

I think it's safe to say that most of us get a little frisson of concern when we think of Raymond relying on the old guard of William Gallas and Lilian Thuram as central defenders for the entire tournament. (Gallas less than Thuram. I adore Lilian, but Click to continue reading...