Despite the opener and a very good first period, OL failed to tame Reims this Saturday (1-1). He misses the opportunity to provisionally take 4th place.
We were waiting to know what face OL would show after a turbulent truce behind the scenes. Winner of the derby without success (1-0), he had a difficult week, at least off the field, following sanctions from the DNCG. It is in this context that it was necessary to travel to Reims, a “cursed” land for the people of Rhone. But very quickly, we were reassured by the intentions of Pierre's men Sage.
OL are attacking hard…
It's simple, the first period is perhaps the best of the season for Olympique Lyonnais. The Rémois saw the opposing waves crash into their cage. Yehvann Diouf delayed the deadline for a time in front of Saïd Benrahma (12e), Rayan Cherki (16th, twice) and especially against Alexandre Lacazette in a reflex stop (28th). We will also remember the goal refused after a high-class collective movement (7th) or the attempt next to Ainsley Maitland-Niles (19e).
But Corentin’s partners Tolisso had to be paid after such domination, and it was with his head (yes yes, you read correctly) that Cherki finally found the fault, well served by Lacazette, not very successful until then (38th) . In difficulty for a large part of the first 45 minutes, the Champenois nevertheless showed the end of their noses in sequence, enough to keep their opponent under pressure from a comeback.
…But forget to come back from the locker room
The second act started off with just as much rhythm and intensity, the Champagne club finding a little more space in the OL block, like their opportunities in the 50th and 54th minutes. The punishment even came straight away on a poorly negotiated ball after a corner, for the equalizer (1-1, 55th). This had the merit of waking up the Lyonnais, who regained control of the match.
But this burst did not allow them to get back in front, despite the opportunities for Malick Breathing (86th) and Tolisso (87th). On the other side, Reims went on the counter, and missed the last match point with a salutary double save from Lucas Perri (96e).
Still 5th but…
Frustration therefore for OL, who clearly had a way to go for more without their breathing space after returning from the locker room. Still 5th, he is under threat from Nice (7th), who could overtake him in the event of success on Sunday. We will have to quickly digest this little setback since the Europa League returns this week with a long trip to Qarabg on Thursday (6:45 p.m.), then to Nice on Sunday December 1st.
