Racing 92 faces Lyon this Sunday in a crucial match. After 3 defeats in a row, the Ile-de-France residents must win at home to get back up in the standings and stay in the race for the final stages. But the Lyonnais…
At the end of 2024, Racing 92 finds itself with its back to the wall. After three consecutive defeats in the league, the Ile-de-France residents must return to success this Sunday against Lyon if they still want to believe in qualifying for the final phase of the Top 14. A crucial match in many respects.
Racing 92 no longer has a choice
The last time Racing 92 won in the Top 14 was more than a month ago. Since then, Gaël Fickou's teammates have suffered a series of disappointments, with three defeats in a row. A result which caused the Ciels et Blancs to plummet to 9th place in the ranking, outside the qualifying places for the play-offs. An uncomfortable situation mid-season for a club which has great ambitions every year.
Faced with Lyon this Sunday, only victory will count for Racing. An improved victory would be ideal to get back into contact with the top 6 and completely restart a season that is off to a bad start. Stuart Lancaster's men know that they no longer have the right to make mistakes.
The pressure on the shoulders of leaders
For this crucial match, Racing 92 will rely more than ever on its executives to lead the way. Captain Gaël Fickou, international second row Cameron Woki and even English third row Zach Mercer will have to raise their level of play to allow their team to win.
Also on the front line, the Ile-de-France residents will need a big performance from their internationals Hassane Kolingar and Soane Tonga'uiha if they want to dominate the Lyon pack.
Distrust of Lyon
If Racing is the favorite in this home confrontation, it will have to be wary of a confident LOU Rugby. Although ranked 12th, the Lyonnais remain on two consecutive victories and will come to Paris Defense Arena without complexes. Led by their captain Baptiste Couilloud and the experienced Fijian center Josua Tuisova, the red and black have arguments to make.
We expect a big fight against Lyon who are in good shape at the moment. It's up to us to raise our level of play to win.
Gaël Fickou, captain of Racing 92
The issue of classification
Beyond the result, the difference in the score will be closely scrutinized. Because in the ranking, every point will count at the end of the season. In the event of a victory, Racing could return to within 2 points of 6th place, currently occupied by Montpellier. A defeat, on the other hand, could relegate the Ile-de-France residents to 6 or 7 points from the top 6. A gap which would become very complicated to fill.
For Lyon, the stakes are also important. Still in the race for maintenance, Xavier Garbajosa's men want to take advantage of this trip to the Paris region to gain valuable points and widen the gap with the red zone.
The shock of the ambitious
Racing 92 against Lyon is, in a way, the shock of the ambitious. Two clubs which on paper aim for the top of the Top 14 every season. But sporting reality caught up with them in 2024-2025, forcing them for the moment to fight in the soft underbelly of the ranking.
However, nothing is lost. The season is still long and the quality of the squad is beyond doubt. Both Racing and LOU have the means to raise the bar. Starting with a success this weekend which could serve as a trigger.
Towards a rhythmic match?
Between Racing 92 and Lyon, the confrontations have often given rise to great offensive duels in recent seasons. Both teams like to play and take risks. Spectators could therefore witness a wild match this Sunday.
Despite the stakes, the Ile-de-France residents and the Lyonnais will want to impose their forward-looking style. With plenty of talent in the back lines on both sides, we can expect plenty of speed and play.
A large audience expected
If there is one match not to be missed for Racing 92 supporters, it's this one. In a complicated sporting period, their team will need their unconditional support more than ever.
The management is also counting on a busy Paris La Défense Arena to push the Ciels et Blancs towards a saving success. The atmosphere promises to be supercharged in the Paris region.
We know the importance of this match and we will really need our audience. I invite all our supporters to come in numbers to help us win.
Jacky Lorenzetti, president of Racing 92
One thing is certain, all the ingredients are there to witness an exciting clash between two teams in search of redemption. On the one hand, Racing 92 which finally wants to rediscover the taste of victory. On the other, Lyon which is seeking to move away from the relegation zone. In an overheated Paris La Défense Arena, the battle promises to be intense. Kick-off at 4 p.m. this Sunday.
Also on the front line, the Ile-de-France residents will need a big performance from their internationals Hassane Kolingar and Soane Tonga'uiha if they want to dominate the Lyon pack.
Distrust of Lyon
If Racing is the favorite in this home confrontation, it will have to be wary of a confident LOU Rugby. Although ranked 12th, the Lyonnais remain on two consecutive victories and will come to Paris Defense Arena without complexes. Led by their captain Baptiste Couilloud and the experienced Fijian center Josua Tuisova, the red and black have arguments to make.
We expect a big fight against Lyon who are in good shape at the moment. It's up to us to raise our level of play to win.
Gaël Fickou, captain of Racing 92
The issue of classification
Beyond the result, the difference in the score will be closely scrutinized. Because in the ranking, every point will count at the end of the season. In the event of a victory, Racing could return to within 2 points of 6th place, currently occupied by Montpellier. A defeat, on the other hand, could relegate the Ile-de-France residents to 6 or 7 points from the top 6. A gap which would become very complicated to fill.
For Lyon, the stakes are also important. Still in the race for maintenance, Xavier Garbajosa's men want to take advantage of this trip to the Paris region to gain valuable points and widen the gap with the red zone.
The shock of the ambitious
Racing 92 against Lyon is, in a way, the shock of the ambitious. Two clubs which on paper aim for the top of the Top 14 every season. But sporting reality caught up with them in 2024-2025, forcing them for the moment to fight in the soft underbelly of the ranking.
However, nothing is lost. The season is still long and the quality of the squad is beyond doubt. Both Racing and LOU have the means to raise the bar. Starting with a success this weekend which could serve as a trigger.
Towards a rhythmic match?
Between Racing 92 and Lyon, the confrontations have often given rise to great offensive duels in recent seasons. Both teams like to play and take risks. Spectators could therefore witness a wild match this Sunday.
Despite the stakes, the Ile-de-France residents and the Lyonnais will want to impose their forward-looking style. With plenty of talent in the back lines on both sides, we can expect plenty of speed and play.
A large audience expected
If there is one match not to be missed for Racing 92 supporters, it's this one. In a complicated sporting period, their team will need their unconditional support more than ever.
The management is also counting on a busy Paris La Défense Arena to push the Ciels et Blancs towards a saving success. The atmosphere promises to be supercharged in the Paris region.
We know the importance of this match and we will really need our audience. I invite all our supporters to come in numbers to help us win.
Jacky Lorenzetti, president of Racing 92
One thing is certain, all the ingredients are there to witness an exciting clash between two teams in search of redemption. On the one hand, Racing 92 which finally wants to rediscover the taste of victory. On the other, Lyon which is seeking to move away from the relegation zone. In an overheated Paris La Défense Arena, the battle promises to be intense. Kick-off at 4 p.m. this Sunday.
