OL hanging on the wire at Hoffenheim, Manchester United finally win, Ajax and Lazio continue!

After the draw snatched by OGC Nice against FC Twente (2-2), the fourth day of the League phase of the Europa League continued this Thursday evening, with eight posters scheduled for 9 p.m. At the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Olympique Lyonnais challenged Hoffenheim three days before the derby against ASSE. For this European shock, Pierre Sage made a large turnover by starting Descamps, Omari and even Benrahma. Lacazette, Tolisso, Cherki and Fofana started on the substitutes’ bench. Opposed to the sixteenth in the Bundesliga, beaten by Porto on the last day (2-0), the Lyonnais quickly took control of operations and created an initial situation. On a perfect cross from Benrahma, Mikautadze placed his header at the penalty spot but Baumann intervened (9th).

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OL hanging on after a spectacular match

Well in place collectively, OL were however scared by a blunder by their usual replacement goalkeeper. Taking advantage of a completely missed exit from Descamps, Kramaric recovered the leather and armed a strike finally blocked by Caleta-Car (11th). A fear without consequence, symbolizing despite everything the Rhone difficulties facing the oiled 3-4-3 of the German formation. Jostled, the Gones regularly put themselves in danger, like this new counter finally concluded by a strike from Moerstedt (29th) or this new surge from Descamps on a strike from Kramaric (43rd). Authors of a very sluggish first period, Tessmann’s teammates managed, despite everything, to hold the match to a draw at the break. However, a scenario that does not fail to annoy Pierre Sage, frustrated by the performance of his players.

Upon returning from the locker room, Lyon’s affairs were not improving. Far from it. On an overflow on the left side, Bischof crossed towards Gendrey, who passed in front of Abner to open the scoring with his right foot (1-0, 47th). Surprised, OL multiplied the technical inaccuracies and came close to being penalized on a new cross attempt from Moerstedt (53rd). Despite a timid reaction initiated by Orban on a deep serve from Mikautadze (57th), the Lyonnais continued to suffer against the vengeful locals. Enough to push the Rhone coach to modify his plans. After a few seconds of play, Cherki, Lacazette, Fofana and Maitland-Niles then appeared. A quadruple change considerably modifying the faces of visitors. With the reinforcement of its newcomers, OL found color and wasted no time in making the difference.

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The Red Devils finally shine, Lazio continues, Ajax wanders

On a nice delivery from Lacazette, Cherki took his chance but the TSG defense pushed back. Opportunistic, Abner recovered the leather and deceived Baumann with a powerful shot (1-1, 66th). Despite this equalization, the residents of Groupama Stadium were unable to continue their business and found themselves, once again, under pressure. After a first superb performance against Stach (75th), Descamps saved his team on a recovery from Hlozek (76th). In the last quarter of an hour, OL still couldn’t find the fault and could still thank their goalkeeper, author of two new decisive saves (87th). A decisive double intervention since in the process, Lacazette, receiving a corner, gave his team the advantage on a pivotal half-volley (1-2, 90+3rd). On the verge of a stunning success, OL were finally punished at the gong… On a cross headed back by Maitland-Niles, Tohumcu followed up with a shot from the right and equalized (2-2, 90th minute). Disappointing for a long time before reacting through its entrants, the Lyon club finally had to settle for a very frustrating draw (2-2).

In the other matches of the evening, Manchester United, coached by Ruud van Nistelrooy while awaiting the official arrival of Rubem Amorim, achieved a first success in the competition against PAOK Salonika (2-0) thanks to a double ‘Amad Diallo. For its part, Lazio Rome snatched another precious success against FC Porto (2-1). Opposed to Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ajax Amsterdam for its part rolled (5-0) while Fenerbahçe, who missed a penalty during this match, collapsed on the lawn of AZ Alkmaar (3-1) . Quickly reduced to ten, Dynamo kyiv logically cracked against Ferencvaros (0-4). Finally, the Belgians from Anderlecht conceded a draw against the Latvian team from Rigas (1-1), Viktoria Plzen, for their part, defeated Real Sociedad (2-1). In the standings, Lazio remains leader ahead of Ajax and Galatasaray. OL are 9th.

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All results from 9 p.m.

Hoffenheim 2-2 OL: Gendrey (47th) and Tohumcu (90+5th) / Abner (66th) and Lacazette (90+3rd)

Manchester United 2-0 PAOK Salonika: Diallo (51st, 77th)

Lazio Rome 2-1 FC Porto: Romagnoli (45+5e) et Pedro (90+2e) / Eustaquio (66e)

Ajax Amsterdam 5-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv : Traoré (14e), Taylor (27e), Godts (39e), Brobbey (61e), Fitz-Jim (69e)

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THE Alkmaar 3-1 Fenerbahçe : Daal (59e), Smit (75e) et Kasius (88e) / En Nesyri (70e)

Dynamo Kiev 0-4 Ferencvaros : Varga (54th, 67th), Zachariassen (56th) and Saldanha (76th)

Rigas FS 1-1 Anderlecht : N’Diaye (90+6th, csc) / Stroeykens (85th)

Victoria Pilsen 2-1 Real Sociedad : Adu (13th) et Sulc (90th) / Oskarsson (35th)