The tunnel beneath Stade de Gerland reverberated with a noise that felt like it was rising from the earth itself. Forty thousand voices blended into a primal, hungry roar. Lyon's supporters had been waiting for their chance to show that Monaco were mere pretenders in a title race that rightfully belonged to the champions.
Yves felt the weight of it all pressing down on him: the hostile chants, the immense pressure, and the knowledge that Lyon had experienced this before while Monaco were still finding their footing.
Yet, his players appeared ready. Giuly's jaw was set, the captain's armband snug around his bicep. Adebayor bounced on his toes, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. They were not afraid.
But perhaps they should be.
"Allez Monaco!" came the faint cry from their small corner of traveling supporters. Two thousand voices battling against forty thousand. David versus Goliath, but this was no fairytale.
