OL struggled against Feignies Aulnoye (1-2)

Players from OL and Entente Feignies Aulnoye in the Coupe de France (@OL)

For their last of the year, OL had all the difficulties in the world to escape the trap of the Entente Feignies Aulnoye (1-2). A well-aimed free kick from Benrahma before the break then a goal from Mikautadze at the end of the match propelled the Lyon team into the round of 16 of the Coupe de France.

Pierre Sage had chosen to send a warning before the match, aware that decompression awaited in his group. A final match of the year, in the Coupe de France against a National 2 team, was a trap. The OL coach was right, because this Saturday, the face displayed by his players was very far from the one he expected. The Lyon club will be there for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France in mid-January thanks to its victory againstAgreement Feignies Aulnoye (0-2). However, it was far from being a walk in the park on the complicated pitch of the Hainaut stadium. Some heads were already on vacation when others failed to seize the opportunity given by Sage. At kick-off, there were eight of them who started on the bench against PSG.

Feignies Aulnoye showed good things

Certainly, there were the returns of Alexander Lacazette and Malick Breathing in the eleven, but for many like Maxence Caqueret or Saïd Benrahmathis cup match was an opportunity to stand out. Mission failed for the midfielder, a little more successful for the Algerian. The latter was not very inspired in Valenciennes, but his kick in the 44th liberated OL. A relief for Pierre Sage who saw his team lack the rhythm to get around the compact northern bloc. Feignies Aulnoye, despite its fairly defensive system, was not unworthy, logically rewarded with a goal at the end of the match Koubemba (93rd), and also had the first forays into the Lyon area.

A flash of Benrahma and then nothing

Not enough to worry Rémy Descamps who didn't have much to do for 90 minutes, but also to see a Lyon coach not convinced. In the second half, the entry of Cherki upon returning from the locker room brought more bond between the lines, but apart from a big strike from Breathing following a corner (46th), Bernard was not in any further danger. He had to work to prevent Benrahma to sign a double (80th) but it was therefore a small OL who ensured the minimum this Saturday with this break goal from Mikautadze three minutes from the end. But wasn't that ultimately the main thing? As for the manner, we will come back…