The context
LOSC-Toulouse is the match after. The one that follows the authentic feat accomplished against Real Madrid. But LOSC-Toulouse is first and foremost a Ligue 1 match with 3 points at stake and leading teams who are not waiting to advance in the standings. It is therefore a question ofavoid the trap of unconscious relaxation for the Mastiffs who appear on the lawn of the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre Mauroy in 4-2-3-1 with Thomas Meunier, Angel Gomes, André Gomes and Osame Sahraoui back in the eleven.
The match
On the pitch, we saw a balanced start to the game. The Toulouse people did not come to defend and even offered themselves possession. Not enough, however, to put LOSC in danger. The Mastiffs fail to approach the opposing goal. So they take their chances from afar. On the right side, Edon Zhegrova transplants into the axis. Dry left strike. Right next to it (23′). Then there is this returned header from Thomas Meunier at the near post from a corner. Above (27′). The minutes pass and LOSC regains color. THE rush of Gabi Gudmundsson in defense would have deserved a better fate than a save in the extremes by a defender (32′). However, it is Téfécé which opens the scoring. On a counter which results in a back cross, Aboukhlal strikes at the far post. Lucas Chevalier makes a sublime save, but the ball still crosses the line, by a few centimeters (0-1, 39′). The trap scenario is unfolding as feared. Lille’s response took the form of an off-center free kick from Angel Gomes. The Toulouse goalkeeper preserves the score (45′).
If they don’t want to give in, the Mastiffs will have to react. Ayyoub Bouaddi and Tiago Santos are launched after returning from the locker room. Lille begins the second act with a different state of mind. But for the moment, Lucas Chevalier is on parade again, with a firm hand on the ground on a point-blank shot (47′). From one goal to the next, David’s header from a cross to the far post from Zhegrova missed the target by a whisker (49′). Then there is this action from elsewhere, led by the whirling duo Angel-Sahraoui for an anthology goal (see below) (1-1, 57′). LOSC wakes up its public, unless it is the opposite. It’s no longer the same match. We find our hungry Mastiffs! Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Mitchel Bakker in turn bring their enthusiasm for the last half hour. The latter, superbly launched by Ayyoub Bouaddi, gives LOSC the advantage after a counterattack, but his goal was initially refused for offside. The referee consults the VAR and after a long hesitation, finally validates it! (2-1, 71′). The scenario completely reversed, it is now Toulouse which is trying to take back the game on its own.
LOSC holds on and validates this victory won with heart. Three points which are good for Lille who can settle with a little more ease in the upper echelons of the ranking.
The moment
57th minute. With their backs to the wall, LOSC pushes, like the untenable Angel Gomes who recovers the ball, leans on Osame Sahraoui at the entrance to the area, then calls for the one-two. With a fantastic shift, the number 11 lobs the entire defense and serves the English international who concludes with a sharp right into a mouse hole. Sublime!
The sequel
What’s next? It’s a international break – well deserved – for Mastiffs who will be able to take a breather, for those who are not going to the selection. Because the next few weeks promise to be grandiose with a sequence of Monaco, Atlético, Lens, Lyon, Juventus and Nice. Strong. And exciting.
The match sheet
LOSC-toulouse fc 2-1 (0-1)
Saturday October 5, 2024, 7 p.m. – 7th day of Ligue 1 McDonald’s
Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre Mauroy (open roof) – 36,947 spectators
Referee: M.Turpin
Buts : Aboukhlal (39′) for Toulouse; Angel (57′), Bakker (71′) for LOSC
Warnings: A.Gomes (7′), Alexsandro (15′), Santos (90’+7) for LOSC; Sidibé (43′), Magri (90’+3) for Toulouse
LOSC: Chevalier – Meunier (Santos, 46′), Diakité, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson (Bakker, 66′) – André (c), André Gomes (Bouaddi, 46′) – Zhegrova (Cabella, 81′), Angel, Sahraoui (Fernandez- Pardo, 66′) – David
Coach : Bruno Genesio
Toulouse FC : Restes – Sidibé (Cresswell, 75′), Nicolaisen (Kamanzi, 84′), McKenzie – Donnum, Sierro (c), Casseres (Zajc, 84′), Suazo – Aboukhlal (Babicka, 64′), King (Magri, 64 ‘), free
Coach : Carlos Martinez Novell
