Lyon coach Remi Garde feels the best team won following his side’s exit from the Europa League at the hands of Juventus.
Despite a Jimmy Briand header cancelling out Andrea Pirlo’s opening goal, Claudio Marchisio made sure the Bianconeri would sent Lyon back to France empty handed, with a 2-1 result on the night, meaning the Italian champions won 3-1 on aggregate.
“I don’t have any regrets with this match, possibly with the first leg though,” Garde told the press.
“The three goals we conceded were all a little different.
“Andrea Pirlo’s free kick was marvellous. However we conceded in the 85th minute last week and today Claudio Marchisio scored via a deflection.
“If you’re going to lose to Juventus I’d rather it was by better goals and I’d hoped they’d have to done that to assert their superiority.
“We can’t have regrets though as the best team won.
“At half time we thought we could do it and claim a huge achievement as we only needed one more goal and that could come from just one chance after the break.’
“We did match Juventus on most occasions during the two legs and we didn’t see that much difference. I must say I am proud of my players.
Garde did take time to mention the injury crisis at Lyon, though wasn’t disparaging of his players’ performance.
“Who were we missing? Probably half the team but I can’t complain about those who played tonight,” he said.
“We would’ve had other solutions in recent games and perhaps got to this tie with fresher legs.”
