Champions League date set, say Lyon

THE second leg of Lyon’s Champions League last-16 clash with Juventus has been confirmed for the first Friday in August, according to the French club’s president.

Jean-Michel Aulas has been left angered by the decision to end Ligue 1, with Lyon failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League if they cannot overturn the decision or find another way into the competition.

As well as Paris Saint-Germain, they are also facing a potential disadvantage in the Champions League as they would be shorter on match fitness than opponents Juventus.

There remains uncertainty over when and how the European knockout competitions will be completed, with restrictions on passengers entering most countries and doubts over whether the current two-legged format will be feasible.

There has been no announcement from UEFA on dates for the outstanding last-16 matches, of which City’s home game with Real Madrid is one. However, Aulas’s claim suggests dates have been pencilled in behind the scenes as football authorities and clubs plan for the safe return of football.

“Our match against Juventus has been confirmed for August 7, it will be held in Turin behind closed doors,” he said. “If our legal actions don’t succeed (to restart the 19/20 Ligue 1 season), Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain will be massacred by teams who have had preparation.”

Some City players have recently returned to the UK from overseas as a return to training is anticipated.