On September 19, 2018, Olympique Lyon surprised Manchester City after winning 1-2 at the Etihad Stadium. That meeting, which kicked off both teams in the highest continental competition, served for Pep Guardiola to surrender to Houssem Aouar, one of the last jewels of the endless factory of talents of Gallic football. The French Under-21 international was one of the most outstanding players that night, being a constant nuisance for Manchester City and having a major impact on the game of his team.
“Aouar is an incredible player. I love it,” admitted Pep after finishing that game. The one from Sampedor had the annoyance of waiting for the Lyon squad in the changing room tunnel to chat for a few minutes with him. It was the beginning of an escalation of rumors that placed Aouar in the orbit of the City and that today is still on everyone's lips. In fact, if Lyon do not qualify for European competition (they could only do so by winning the Champions League), the departure of the young Lyon midfielder is almost a fact, something that has not gone unnoticed by clubs
In Lisbon, the hopes of Lyon fans go through that Aouar is decisive. Intermittent throughout the season and accused of being an irregular player, his association with Caqueret and Guimarâes in midfield was decisive in the Champions League match against Juventus on July 7. He caused the penalty that preceded the goal of Memphis Depay and, in the second half, it was a constant oxygen to the counterattack for Rudi García's team. Today may be his last match with “Les Gones”, so All eyes will be on an Aouar who remains a weakness for Guardiola.