APOEL plot Lyon downfall

APOEL manager Ivan Jovanovic is targeting an upset when his team face Olympique Lyon in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The Cypriot minnows became the first team from their country to reach the latter stages of the European competition, defying the odds to qualify from a group that contained the likes of Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Serb Jovanovic has turned his sights to French giants Lyon, but warned his side that any mistake will prove costly against Remi Garde’s men.

“We cannot afford to make mistakes in midfield, because Lyon are really dangerous in open play, and we must play our football, taking advantage of any error our opponents commit,” Jovanovic told Goal.com.

“The dream is to qualify to the Champions League quarter-finals.”

Jovanovic recognises that qualification to the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition would be an enormous achievement for his side, and a milestone for football in Cyprus.

“Qualification would be an extension of an outstanding season and a demonstration that there are good teams in Cyprus, as well as an opportunity for the future of my team,” he said.

APOEL and Lyon meet at Stade de Gerland on Tuesday.