The context
Monday, 9 p.m. This is an unusual schedule for a match, especially a decisive one, at the heart of the final sprint. The kind of meeting which can even allow LOSC to climb onto the podium in the event of victory, all with 2 days to go. But for that, we have to beat Olympique Lyonnais who are among the teams in the best form at the moment in Ligue 1. For this 100th LOSC-OL duel in the first division – exceptionally delayed the day after the commemorations of the Furiani tragedy (May 5, 1992) – Paulo Fonseca must cope without his captain, Benjamin André. The armband lands for the occasion around the biceps of Jonathan Davidpositioned at the forefront behind the trio Gudmundsson, Haraldsson, Yazici.
The game
Falling mist, noisy atmosphere and burning atmosphere. It smells like the big night of football in a Stade Pierre Mauroy that is incandescent from the start. Carried by their audience, the Mastiffs attack hard. From the outset, Gabi Gudmundsson breaks free on the left and crosses back for Jona David whose attempt is saved by Lopes with a reflex save (5′). LOSC largely dominated the start of the match. With a free kick in the form of a caress, Yusuf Yazici propels Bafo’ Diakité into orbit. The Lille defender’s uncrossed header, with his back to the goal alone, hits the opposite corner (1-0, 20′). Lyon’s response? A point-blank header from Tolisso, saved by Lucas Chevalier (23′). From one goal to another, Edon Zhegrova, who came in place of Yusuf Yazici (see elsewhere), set the Lyon defense on fire. His first shot from the left was first saved by Lopes with a horizontal save (27′). His second, at the edge of the area after a crazy series of dribbles, curls up along the post (2-0, 36′). What an entrance from Edon!
Second hard blow for LOSC after returning from the locker room. Gabriel Gudmundsson suffered a nasty sole and had to give way to Rémy Cabella (58′), who was given the armband. The Mastiffs now face an OL forced to discover themselves and returned to the field with other intentions. Mistrust ! With a curling shot from the left under the bar, Benrahma also reduced the score (2-1, 66′). One must keep. Paulo Fonseca decides to strengthen his defense: Alexsandro replaces Edon Zhegrova (75′). But the Lyonnais equalize on an action from the right (82′, 2-2). The Mastiffs bend one knee, but don’t give up! On a new corner, the inevitable Bafodé Diakité once again places his angry head at the bottom! (3-2, 86′)! Unfortunately, OL equalize again, through Lacazette (3-3, 88′), then kill the match through Baldé (3-4, 90’+2).
The disappointment is immense for the Mastiffs who could have done better. But everything is still possible at the end of the championship. LOSC can still get the podium.
The wink
His lobbed free kick from the left floated for a few seconds in the sky of Villeneuve d’Ascq before being propelled deep by Bafodé Diakité with a header. Unfortunately, 4 short minutes after this sublime decisive pass full of poetry as much as vision, Yusuf Yazici held the left adductor on a check. Grimacing, limping, he had to give way to Edon Zhegrova (26′). Let us send here a wink full of sympathy to our Turkish environment.
The moment
26th minute : Edon Zhegrova tumbles in the game. He immediately appears dangerous. His first shot was miraculously released by Lopes. Ten minutes later, the hard-hitting Kosovar winger break of a strike on the ground coming out of a rush in the Lyon defense. Sound 6th goal of the season in Ligue 1. This is what we call a impact player !
The following
There are only two left! Two matches, two finals for a European destiny. Next Sunday (9 p.m.), the Dogues will travel to Nantes, before welcoming Nice a week later, Sunday May 19 (9 p.m.) at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Book your ticket now for the last match of the season!
THE MATCH SHEET
LOSC – Olympique Lyonnais: 3-4 (2-0)
32nd day of Ligue 1 Uber Eats – Season 2023-2024
Monday May 6, 2024 (9 p.m.) – Stade Pierre Mauroy (open roof) – 45,227 spectators
Referee: Mr. Bastien
Goals : Diakité (20′, 86′), Zhegrova (36′) for LOSC; Benrahma (66′), Fofana (82′), Lacazette (88′), Baldé (90’+2) for OL
Warnings: Gomes (28′), Haraldsson (80′), Yoro (90’+4) for LOSC; Nuamah (35′) for OL
LOSC: Chevalier – Santos, Diakité, Yoro, Ismaily – Bentaleb, Gomes – Yazici (Zhegrova, 26′) (Alexsandro, 75′), Haraldsson, Gudmundsson (Cabella, 58′) – David (c.)
Coach : Paulo Fonseca
Olympique Lyonnais: Lopes – Tagliafico (Maitland-Niles, 46′), Caleta-Car, O’Brien, Mata – Caqueret, Matic (Cherki, 67′), Tolisso (Mangala, 67′) – Nuamah (Baldé, 79′), Lacazette ( c.), Benrahma (Fofana, 67′)
Coach : Pierre Sage
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