Juninho has been described as one "of the world's most feared strikers of a static ball". A survey by the French sports daily L'Equipe from December 2006, revealed that 45% of Lyon's goals (at the time one of the best attacking teams in Europe) resulted - either directly or indirectly - from set-pieces and freekicks delivered by Juninho. Juninho's free kicks have comparatively less ball rotation, but high air-speed. This makes use of any air drafts or wind which causes changing drag patterns on the seams of the ball. Thus the ball may move unpredictably or 'wobble' in the air. This has lead many to avoid forming a wall between Juninho and the goal on set-pieces, to give the goalkeeper a greater chance of keeping out the shot when their view of the ball is not impeded. To date, Juninho has scored 35 freekicks for Olympique Lyonnaise.
After he scored a 41 meters free kick for O.Lyon, Pro Evolution Soccer gave him the ultimate gift in their game for free kick specialists, a 99 Free Kick Accuracy stat.
Profile: Olympique Lyonnais
Have we met before? Yes, twice. And United are unbeaten against the French champions. The Reds were 2-0 down at half time in the teams' first ever meeting in September 2004. But two second-half Ruud van Nistelrooy strikes earned a valuable point in Group D. A rare Gary Neville goal and another from van Nistelrooy gave the Reds victory back at Old Trafford later in the year.
Where do they play? Stade Gerland. Lyon plan to move to a new stadium in 2010, but for now this 43,051-capacity stadium remains their home.
How did they do in the group stages? Lyon are not as strong as they were a couple of seasons ago. They lost their opening two games - both 3-0 scorelines - to Barcelona and Rangers. But they recovered well and were unbeaten in their next four games, including a 3-0 win at Ibrox to seal their passage to the Last 16.
Who’s the boss? Former Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin. He lasted just eight months at Fratton Park before being sacked for poor results. Since taking over at Lyon in May 2007, Perrin has continued the success of Gerard Houllier as Lyon, who have won the Ligue 1 title six seasons in a row, currently remain top.
Who’s their star man? Juninho Pernambucano. The Brazilian is a tricky customer and a real goal threat. He already has three goals from six group stage matches. Dangerous from set-pieces.
Any European history? Despite being tipped by some as potential winners in recent seasons, Lyon have never got past the quarter finals, although they are almost certainly the toughest side United could face in this year's Last 16.
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