In the run-up to the Europa League’s quarter-final return, which will oppose Olympique Lyonnais to Manchester United on the legendary Old Trafford field, former Lyon goaltender Nicolas Puydebois spoke of his outstanding experience at a previous meeting in 2004. This European deadline has a special significance for Rhodanian players and supporters, who have regained confidence in the top 4 of Ligue 1 thanks to a victory over Auxerre. Nevertheless, a confrontation of a significant magnitude awaits them this week, and the determination of the opponent should not be underestimated.

Nicolas Puydebois, consultant for the show “As long as there are gones”, shared his poignant memory of November 23, 2004, when he replaced Grégory Coupet in the Lyon cages. The experience, though full of pressure, was marked by pleasure, and the former doorman was deeply impressed by the quality of the players in the country, such as Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy and Rooney. He expressed a sense of mismatch, believing that he was not in his place in the face of such talents. The atmosphere of Old Trafford, described as “majesty” and “legendary”, also marked his mind, although calmer than he had imagined.

Despite Manchester United’s past hegemony and the Lyon defeat of 2004 (1-2), where Mahamadou Diarra’s equalization had not been enough against Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s victorious goal, Olympique Lyonnais now had the hope of a European crown. The Paulo Fonseca team will have to build on this ambition and show determination to tackle this crucial meeting, which is set to be a decisive step in the pursuit of a European dream.