Lyon

APOEL 1-0 Lyon

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 07 March 2012

APOEL become the first team from Cyprus to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Lyon.

APOEL have become the first team from Cyprus to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Lyon.

The hosts got off to the perfect start when Gustavo Manduca was able to fire in at the back post from Constantinos Charalambidis's cross to level the match 1-1 on aggregate.

Michel Bastos and Ederson both had chances for the French side, while Charalambidis drew a good save out of Hugo Lloris at the other end.

The home side nearly found a decisive second goal into the second half, but Helder Sousa's free kick came off the head of Aly Cissokho before crashing off the bar and out of play.

APOEL put their opponents under huge pressure as normal time went on, and they could have scored again with 20 minutes to play but for Esteban Solari's wayward finishing.

As the match moved into extra time, Bafetimbi Gomis came close for Lyon in the 105th minute when his volley was well saved.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 115th minute as the goalscorer Manduca was dismissed for a second booking.

Alexandre Lacazette and Michel Bastos had their penalties saved by Dionisis Chiotis in the shootout as the Cypriots claimed a famous victory.