A Lyonnaise-style robbery. Despite poor content and tense players, OL won at the wire against Toulouse thanks to a goal at the very end of the match from Malick Fofana (1-2, 90th +5). A scenario that is as crazy as it is worrying in content for Pierre Sage players who are giving themselves some fresh air in the red zone. The beautiful atmosphere of the Stadium, which today paid tribute to Brice Taton, supporter of Téfécé assassinated 15 years ago, still gave more satisfaction for a long time than this meeting lacking in opportunities.
The assessment will have two faces for the Pierre Sage staff. The victory is certainly there, but the content was not reassuring. A habit in 2024 among the Lyonnais who, for the 17th time this year, came back after being behind. All without framing a single shot until the liberating goal from Malick Fofana, always just as valuable coming off the bench.
Lyon or how to score without framing
The reshuffled OL eleven, for its part, was quick to show flaws in all areas of the game. A midfielder overwhelmed by the Téfécé block, defenders too often taken behind their backs and attackers who seemed discover yourself in the field. A boon for the men of Carles Martinez Novell whose game often based on long passes quickly put the Rhodanians in difficulty.
Yann Gboho, well served by an excellent Vincent Sierro, was able to offer himself a one-on-one, then open the scoring, starting behind the backs of wait-and-see defenders (14th). No shock for Lyon who continued their very poor start to the match before taking advantage of an own goal a few minutes later from Rasmus Nicolaisen to get back into the score (28th).
Zaha, the locker room already behind?
As if this miracle could not be celebrated, Pierre Sage’s players immediately resumed the match after a slightly tense discussion between Wilfried Zaha and Caleta-Car. The Ivorian seemed to be more than upset throughout the first period, multiplying gestures of annoyance and scenes of incomprehension with his teammates in midfield and attack. For his first in Ligue 1, he only played 53 minutes before leaving unhappy, confirming his difficult integration.
A new offensive problem to resolve for Pierre Sage who was undoubtedly not reassured by the very average performance of George Mikautadze. And if Lyon showed better in the second, it was only thanks to their replacements. It’s hard to be satisfied with it when you play every three days.