Aulas expects better in Europe

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas admitted his side's defeat at Nancy was a "huge disappointment" but called on the team to bounce back by reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Lyon lost 2-0 to the relegation candidates yesterday to see their Ligue 1 title hopes all but disappear. They are in pole position to progress in Europe, though, travelling to Nicosia with a 1-0 lead from the first leg against APOEL. "We should have imposed ourselves from the outset [against Nancy]," Aulas told the club's website. "We controlled the game but made silly mistakes with the marking for the two goals we conceded. "We weren't able to speed up our play. We lack a bit of strength, speed and enthusiasm. When we don't create enough scoring opportunities and make mistakes at the other end, then we lose matches we should be winning. "It's hugely disappointing, but we have to stand right behind the team. Next week's matches against APOEL Nicosia and Lille will be decisive. "We've got 12 matches left in Ligue 1 so there are 36 points on offer. We need to bounce back mentally and not listen to the negative comments."