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The Champions League playoff round kicks off today with a French side clashing with a Spanish one in the first leg of  series that will place one side among Europe’s elite, with the other dropping down to the Europa League.

Lyon versus Real Sociedad is going to be more exciting that it looks on paper as both teams have hidden talent that instantly improve the quality of a game. The type of players being described are offensive-minded ones who are turning out to be irreplaceable for their clubs. Here is a look at some of them:

Related: Champions League: Lyon Has Mountain to Climb After 2-0 Defeat at Home

Lyon:

Yassine Benzia, 18 — He is an up and coming striker who scored his fifth goal for his club over the weekend in a 3-1 victory at Sochaux. He is quick, nifty and has a developing eye for the goal that will only improve as he grows older.

Alexandre Lacazette, 22 — He has been a member of the first team since 2010 and has scored 12 goals in 72 appearances. As a young forward, he can carry the striking responsibilities on his shoulders as long as he gets the right service and/or if he finds the space and time to create a bit of magic.

Clement Grenier, 22 — As an attacking midfielder, he has already scored some sensation goals and made some brilliant plays at his young age. The no. 7 on the back of his shirt truly suits his playing style as he springs surprises for opponents that do not expect nor desire them by any means.

Real Sociedad:

Antoine Griezmann, 22 — Returning to face his boyhood club, the young winger/striker will battle emotions in one of the most difficult games he will ever play in. He is fast, skilled and knows how to assist and score goals on a game-to-game basis. He is a lock in the starting 11 for this club.

Carlos Vela, 25 — The Mexican international striker has fit right into the squad as one of the main strikers who is trusted to score ever time he steps onto the field. He is fast, strong, skilled and has that special something that puts him above most of the rest.

Prediction:

This is going to be a tough game that the home side will prevail in by a score of 2-1. The fans, players and overall home atmosphere will prove to be comforting for them, but almost devastating for the visitors. Game time is 2:45 p.m. EDT later on today.