Text: Lou-Ann Girardet – Three days before the end of the French championship, OL traveled to Lille, fourth in Ligue 1. If successful, the men of Pierre Sage could recover 7th place, qualifying for the European Cup. It’s done, at the end of a breathtaking scenario, during which the Lyonnais surely came back twice, before winning (4-3).
In a match that was totally crazy in terms of suspense, the Lyonnais knew how to seize their opportunity. In a first half where Lacazette and his teammates were dominated and didn’t show much, Lille was able to get their hands on the match by leading 2-0 at the break thanks to a goal from Diakite header following a free kick (21st) and a goal Zhegrova, from a cross shot outside the area (37e).
The second half was a festival of goals
Fortunately, OL came back to score for the first time, with a goal of Benrahma in the top corner, well offset by Lacazette (2-1, 66th). A few minutes later, Malick Fofanaserved on a platter by Mama Balde, (82e), was able to equalize at two everywhere. Unfortunately Lille’s Diakite scored a double, thus giving LOSC the advantage and hope, with a powerful header from a corner (3-2, 85th).
It was without counting on the resources of our Gones, who equalized again through Alexandre Lacazette on a cross Maitland Niles in the 89th minute (3-3). The referee then announced seven minutes of added time, to the delight of the men. Pierre Sage. And in the 92nd minute, Balde blew up the entire Lyon bench by scoring with a header from a cross from Clinton Mata (3-4), thus offering a new success full of anger to his team. To a group decidedly ready to not give up, in the wake of still winning coaching, notably with the entry into play of Fofana and Balde! Installed among the European places, OL can now concentrate on their next challenge, at 9 p.m. this Sunday, against the red lantern, Clermont!
