In difficulty, Lou defeated Parma (19-21) and had a second victory in a row. Karim Ghezal is off to a good start to his new adventure on the Lyon bench before returning to the Top 14.
A success gleaned with forceps. For Karim Ghezal’s first at the helm of Lou, the Rhone residents wanted to show a good face on the Parma side, against an opponent who is always difficult to handle on their lawn. The Zebres were also keen to take revenge, largely beaten 43-12 by Connacht last weekend.
But Lyon is riding on its beautiful improved victory against Cardiff 37-26and wants to start again on the same basis. If the start of the match is to the advantage of the Italians, Esteban González quickly plays the penalty scratched following a good carried ball and will flatten the first try of the match against the run of play, his second in two Challenge Cup matches. Martin Méliande converts and Les Gones take the first advantage in this game (0-7, 20′).
Indiscipline hurts the Lyonnais
But now, like this first period, Lyon retreats and suffers the attacks of the Zebre. Four minutes after Esteban González’s try, the Italian ball penetrated the Rhone defense. The hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo comes to flatten the ball in the corner after an effort from the forwards of more than 20 meters. Fortunately for Les Gones, Gerónimo Prisciantelli’s transformation did not pass. A failure which will have its consequences later in the game (5-7, 24′).
Lou continues to suffer and makes mistake after mistake. Maxime Gouzou paid for the indiscipline of the Lyonnais, who conceded eight penalties in the first period alone. Despite the yellow card addressed to the third row just before the break, the Rhone defense held firm and Karim Ghezal’s men returned to the locker room with a slim advantage but outnumbered for another nine minutes.
More information to follow…
Morocco
