Lyon boss Remi Garde said he was not surprised by how Real Betis played in his side’s 1-0 Europa League defeat of the Andalusians.
A 66th minute goal from substitute Bafetimbi Gomis gave the Ligue 1 outfit victory at the Stade de Gerland, although Garde told a post-match Press conference he felt his team had won the match without dominating the opposition.
“We achieved our goal but did it without controlling the game. Betis are a team that is capable of putting pressure on their opponents, so they didn’t surprise us.
“Even so, the only real chance they had was a present from us,” said the former Arsenal player, in reference to a defensive error that led to Chuli crashing an effort against an upright.
Lyon have still to play one more Europa League, against Vitoria de Guimaraes, where a win will ensure first position in Group I, but Garde says he is already proud of what his team has achieved.
“I’ve told the players that next spring we will be the only French club alongside Paris Saint-Germain that is still playing in European competition,” he beamed.
