The New York Red Bulls announced today that they will host seven-time Ligue 1 winner, Olympique Lyonnais, in a friendly on Tuesday, July 16 at 8:00 PM at Red Bull Arena.
Red Bulls Season Ticket Holders will have this match included in their plans. Red and Yellow Card Members will have an exclusive pre-sale window to purchase additional tickets starting Monday, June 17 at 10:00 AM. Partial Plan Holders can purchase tickets starting June 17 at 2:00 PM. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, June 18 at 10:00 AM by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com
“We are proud to host Olympique Lyonnais at Red Bull Arena,” said Red Bulls General Manager Jérôme de Bontin. “Lyon has a storied history in France and has featured a number of top international players, including our own Juninho and Peguy Luyindula, while playing a distinct brand of soccer. They have been an example to many European clubs of how to build a solid soccer organization over many years, with a strong vision and goals that are reflected by their consistent success and seven-straight Lique 1 championships. We look forward to welcoming Lyon and expect a very entertaining match at Red Bull Arena that will please Red Bulls fans and soccer enthusiasts across the tri-state area.”
“I have such a fantastic memory of winning the LFP Champions Trophy in July 2012 at Red Bull Arena, which perfectly launched our season. Since then, regularly speaking with Gérard Houllier, I knew we would soon be back and I immediately responded when it was proposed that we play against the New York Red Bulls this summer,” said Olympique Lyonnais President Jean-Michel Aulas. “Through our international brand building program, being hosted by the Red Bulls proves to be a symbolic landmark. We are very proud to have been the New York Red Bulls’ choice for this exciting exhibition game next July.”
Lyon qualified for the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League after finishing in third place in Ligue 1 in its 2012-13 campaign with 67 points and a 19-9-10 record. The French club had a distinguished run from 2001 to 2008, winning seven-straight Ligue 1 championships while reaching the Champions League quarterfinals three consecutive times (2003-04 to 2005-06). Lyon’s best finish in the Champions League came in the 2009-10 season, when it earned a spot in the semifinals. The side is currently managed by Rémi Garde.
The Red Bulls have never faced Lyon. However, Lyon did play at Red Bull Arena on July 28, 2012 as part of the 2012 Trophee Des Champions against Montpellier Hérault SC – a match OL won 4-2 on penalties after the teams tied 2-2 in regulation.
Juninho had a storied career playing for Lyon from 2001-09. The Brazilian recorded 100 goals in 344 matches in all competitions and his goal mark is fourth all-time in Lyon history. Juninho, who played under current Global Sporting Director of Red Bull Soccer Gerard Houllier from 2005-07, was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year in the 2005-06 season and was a three-time member of the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
Luyindula was able to compete in the UEFA Champions League at Lyon from 2001-2004, scoring 46 goals in 126 appearances in all competitions while helping his team win two league championships.
