The context
After a month of October which will undoubtedly remain in the history books of LOSC (By the way, we are releasing a magnificent one this month !), punctuated in particular by the prestigious triumphs against Real Madrid (1-0), Atlético Madrid (1-3), and RC Lens (0-2), November 2024 opens, full of challenges and passions! LOSC, 4th before the match, must maintain pressure on the championship podium, outrun a pursuer (OL are 7th at kick-off) and take advantage of Monaco's misstep at home against SCO Angers a little more early Friday. All this in 90 minutes! A hell of a program for the group led by Bruno Genesio, riddled by injuries and the last minute absence of André Gomes…
The match
What a spectacular start for the Mastiffs! Offensive, aggressive and united, Lille bite the bullet from the kick-off, their eyes locked with that of their opponents of the day. Lyon immediately pressed on the back, disconcerted by the defensive solidity of Lille and the impactful comebacks of Zhegrova and his team. Under pressure, even under water, Lyon thus conceded the first big opportunity in the 10th minute following a disagreement between Niakhaté and Perri. The ball returns to the penalty spot to Angel Gomes who did not ask for so much but, magnanimously, does not fit in front of the almost empty cage (9'). Postponed game: the author of these lines had barely had time to note Meunier's cross (12') when LOSC went on the attack again… or almost. Because it is indeed the Lyonnais Maitland-Niles who turns into an unfortunate decisive passer when his poorly measured ball back conveniently ends up at the feet of Jonathan David, who has gone like a surface fox. The Canadian doesn't tremble, the nets do: and here LOSC are in front on the scoreboard (1-0, 17')! With a domination of around 60%, LOSC pushes until half-time, offering itself a few thrills like this post from a free kick from Edon Zhegrova (32'), but remains, with control, on its advantage of a goal at the break.
It's not just an impression: the debates are much more balanced in the second half, between the Mastiffs, still threatening, and the exhilarated Lyonnais by the break, like their captain, Alexandre Lacazette, who scored OL's best chance in the 53' on a serve from Cherki. At point blank range, the French international sends the ball into the stands (1-0). But the danger gradually becomes clearer on Chevalier's cages, more often saved by the imprecision of visitors than by his own gloves. Cherki in turn sends a cannonball into the Lille top corner after the hour mark, but it is the bar of the Dogues goalkeeper who removes the threat (1-0, 70').
But the big thrill of Halloween comes in the 75' when Maitland-Niles thinks he equalizes on a ball that is poorly cleared by LOSC. The Lyonnais' strike, in the top corner, was unstoppable, the score was leveled… except that it was quickly ruled out by the VAR, which detected an embarrassment from Lacazette on Chevalier. Goal canceled, public relieved… but unfortunately it's only a reprieve. At the very end of the match, Fofana took advantage of yet another breakthrough from Maitland-Niles to regain the ball and pierce the defense… and managed at the last minute to equalize during stoppage time in the game (1-1, 90') . How hard it is…
The sequel
Make way for the stars in Lille! The Champions League is resuming its rights in the most beautiful way, since it is Juventus Turin who are traveling to us this time!!! An already fantastic evening for all football lovers in Lille, who find themselves dreaming of a new exploit. After Real, after Altético… what if?
The match sheet
LOSC-Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 (1-0)
Friday November 1, 2024, 9:00 p.m. – 10th day of Ligue 1 McDonald's
Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre Mauroy – Open roof, clear weather – 45,084 spectators
Referee: M. Brisard
Buts : David (17'), Fofana (90'+1)
Warnings: Genesio (27'), Zhegrova (43'), Mukau (57') for the LOSC, Caleta-Car (30') for the OL
LOSC: Chevalier – Gudmundsson, Mandi, Diakité, Meunier (Touré, 85') – Mukau (Bayo, 82'), Sahraoui (Fernandez-Pardo, 70'), Angel (Bouaddi, 70'), André (c), Zhegrova (Bakker , 82') – David
Coach : Bruno Genesio
OL : Perri – Tagliafico, Niakhate, Caleta-Car, Maitland-Niles – Veretout (Benrahma, 77'), Tolisso, Matic, Fofana, Cherki – Lacazette (Mikautadze, 86')
Coach : Pierre Sage
