Former Lyon star Sydney Govou acknowledges Juventus are favourites in the Champions League tie, but “they are a more competitive team than spectacular.”

The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off this evening at 20.00 GMT.

“The crowd could play a fundamental role in pushing its heroes towards victory, but Juve are superior on paper and remain the favourites to qualify,” Govou told TuttoJuve.

Former Lyon star Sydney Govou acknowledges Juventus are favourites in the Champions League tie, but “they are a more competitive team than spectacular.”

The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off this evening at 20.00 GMT.

“The crowd could play a fundamental role in pushing its heroes towards victory, but Juve are superior on paper and remain the favourites to qualify,” Govou told TuttoJuve.

“The Bianconeri are full of champions, but they are a more competitive team than they are spectacular. They favour solidity, which  is why they have very few weaknesses. I maintain they are at the same level as the two or three big candidates for the final victory.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid were eliminated by Lyon when Govou was playing for the team and the 35-year-old is still going strong.

“He was already excellent at that age and hasn’t changed at all. In fact, he plays much more for the team now and is not so selfish. Honestly, I am impressed by the statistics he’s churning out at the age of 35.

“I’ve always liked Miralem Pjanic and never understood why Lyon let him leave so easily. He had everything required to become a leader of that team. I’m not surprised to see he is now world class.”

There are two French midfielders in the Juventus squad, Adrien Rabiot and Blaise Matuidi, but only one is likely to start this evening.

“When Rabiot is in good shape and concentrated, he is an excellent player. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, but he’s still young and the future is his for the taking.”

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