Twin disappointments for the last two remaining French clubs in European competition as AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais lost the first leg of their respective competition’s semi-finals. Monaco went down 2-0 at home to Italian champions Juventus, with Gonzalo Higuain doing the damage for the visitors.

Lyon’s chances of making it to their first ever European final also look slim after a 4-1 loss to Ajax Amsterdam. Mathieu Valbuena’s away goal gives them a glimmer of hope, but few would bet against Ajax reaching their first final since 1996 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais next week. Continue reading →

Ligue 1’s last two teams left in Europe, AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais, will do battle against Besiktas JK and Borussia Dortmund in their respective continental quarterfinals.

Monaco, who were surprise quarterfinalists in the Champions League after eliminating Pep Guardiola’s Man City on the away goals rule, have drawn Dortmund- a side ASM will fancy their chances of beating, in comparison to say, Bayern, Barca or Real Madrid.

Lyon’s prize for eliminating AS Roma in the Europa League Round of 16 is a tie against Besiktas.

France had PSG as a representative in the Champions League, but they bowed out following a stunning loss at the Nou Camp after having won the first leg 4-0.