Lyon coach Remi Garde has said that his team are not underestimating the threat posed by APOEL Nicosia.

Les Gones face the Cypriot side in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter at the Stade de Gerland tonight.

However, Garde's men suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to 14th-place Caen at the weekend, which served as a timely warning to the seven-time Ligue 1 champions.

"Whoever the opponent, you have to improve your level to perform well in the Champions League," said Garde.

"We know a lot of people believe we will easily win against APOEL. Of course, it's not our opinion. APOEL have had a wonderful group stage, they deserve a lot of respect, like any team that has reached the knockout stages.

"My players are aware of their strengths and especially their ability to counterattack, as they have watched several videos of them. Our recent defeat by Caen in Ligue 1 awoke us to the fact that in football it is never easy to get a good result. We are really focused on this match and we know that we'll have to give our best to get through."

Lyon's loss to Caen was only their third in 33 home matches.