Losc led twice in this match, 2 to 0 then 3 to 2, before collapsing psychologically, undoubtedly taken by the stakes: overtaking Brest, held in check against Nantes (0-0) on Saturday. Instead, the Mastiffs remain in their niche, in fourth place with 55 points, two units behind the Bretons.
With two matches remaining, the northern club may have missed its last opportunity to obtain a direct ticket for the lucrative and prestigious Champions League, in which case it would be content with the play-offs, which generally do not succeed in the French clubs.
Despite its success, Olympique Lyonnais is still not in the European places, but has come closer. The Rhone club (47 points) is only two points behind Lens, sixth and first virtual qualifier for a continental competition. Seventh place would become European in the event of PSG’s success in the Coupe de France, a competition in which Lyon is in the final. In other words, if Lyon finishes 7th, they will be European in one way or another.
This result is as much the result of the self-sacrifice of the Lyonnais as the mental bankruptcy and inexperience of the Lille people. However, they managed an ideal first period, like a boss, biting when they had the opportunities.
First by Bafodé Diakité with a superb header after a free kick from Yusuf Yazici (21st). Then by Edon Zhegrova, with a precise and surprising strike if not powerful to deceive the vigilance of Anthony Lopes from outside the area (37th). The Kosovar had just come into play in place of the injured Yazici (27th).
The contribution of the Lyon bench
Less successful to the point of losing his starting place, Zhegrova celebrated his goal at length. But that didn’t stop Fonseca from taking him out in the 76th minute to bring in an additional defender: Alexsandro.
Because in the meantime, Lyon showed its fangs, returning to the score through Saïd Benrahma by surprising the Lille defense in depth (66th). Full of control during the first act, Lille made the questionable choice to manage during the second. What he was unable to do, especially in the absence of his captain Benjamin André, a reassuring and stabilizing midfielder at the heart of the game.
In full swing in this second part of the season, OL then overturned everything in their path thanks to two entrants: Malick Fofana, scorer of the equalizing goal (82nd) after a pass from Mama Baldé, well helped by the tackle missed by Alexsandro.
This goal had the effect of a cold shower for the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, almost full for the occasion. But he barked again when Bafodé Diakité put on his savior’s cape by giving his team the advantage after a corner (85th).
