Hayes: Lyon a different proposition now to earlier in the season

PA Sport staff
Press Association
Emma Hayes is ready for whatever Lyon throw at Chelsea on Wednesday night
Emma Hayes is ready for whatever Lyon throw at Chelsea on Wednesday night

Emma Hayes doubts there is much to learn from Arsenal's 5-1 demolition job of Lyon earlier this season ahead of Chelsea's clash with the European champions. 

The Gunners laid down a marker in the Champions League last October with a stunning win over a club that have won the competition in six of the last seven seasons. 

Lyon gained a measure of revenge at the Emirates Stadium in December to finish runners-up in their group behind Arsenal, with the French side's reward a quarter-final showdown with Chelsea. 

The teams met in a pre-season friendly back in August, when Chelsea squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 before losing on penalties. 

And they will collide again in Wednesday's first leg at the Groupama Stadium with Lyon a much stronger prospect thanks to a number of big names back in action after injuries. 

Asked whether there was anything Chelsea could take from Arsenal's win earlier in the season, Hayes said: "It was a phenomenal performance from Arsenal but we also saw Lyon go there and win 1-0. 

"We know Lyon are a top side. Earlier on in the season they were missing a lot of players, that's not the case now, they have a lot of their experienced players back. 

"There are certainly things from Arsenal's performance that night that reminded us of some of the things we repeated in the pre-season game against Lyon. 

"But I think this is a much different game and Lyon are at a much different stage than they were earlier in the season."

Both Chelsea and Lyon top their respective domestic divisions and many anticipate a showdown between two in-form teams may be a nip-and-tuck affair. 

Hayes added: "Both teams will be working each other out, particularly in the first half. I think both ties will be very different. 

"I don't know what it's going to look like, what I know is we've prepared the best we can and we're absolutely ready."

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Women’s Champions LeagueChelseaChelsea FC WomenLyon