After a mastered first hour of play, Olympique Lyonnais got scared, but finally won (3-2) against RC Lens. OL consolidated its first place at the end of this 18th day of Ligue 1 and widened the gap on its direct competitors.
Ligue 1 – 18e Journe
|
Lyon |
3 – 21 – 0 |
Lens  |
| M. Savings 39′ S. Forts (CSC) 46′ M. Depay (P.) 52′ |
56′ F. Sotoca 89′ C. Doucoure |
–
The Lyon steamroller continues to rage. Opposed to a team from RC Lens, seventh at kick-off, OL affirmed their status as leader. From the start of the meeting, Garcia’s men showed the same face as in previous weeks: that of a playful team sure of its strength. Olympique Lyonnais will quickly get chances, especially thanks to the technical accuracy of Paqueta. The Brazilian throws Cornet perfectly in depth but the Ivorian winger loses his face to face with Leca (7th). His Lyon counterpart Anthony Lopes will also be decisive in the quarter of an hour of play by pushing back a Clauss strike for a corner. Despite this conceded opportunity, Lyon controls and Aouar puts Leca to work (24th). The northerner goalkeeper pushes back again, but will be forced to bow just before the break. In the middle of the field, Memphis finds a relay with Paqueta. Kadewere pretends to deviate the Brazilian’s pass, but lets slip for Depay whose flat foot deceives Leca (40th). Lyon is logically ahead at the break.
Lyon takes shelter then suffers
As soon as they return from the locker room, OL will take shelter. Following a good action, Dubois is shifted right side and center to the near post. His ball is fisted by Leca on the back of the unfortunate Fortes who scores against his camp (46th). After having made the break, Lyon will take cover on a penalty. Cornet is cut down by Leca in the area. Memphis takes care of it and sends a heavy cross strike for the 3-0 (52nd). While they thought they were safe, the Rhone will concede the reduction of the score after a coiled strike from Sotoca (56th). This goal galvanizes the Lensois much higher up on the field. Lyon leaves the ball to the Sang et Or who are creating micro-opportunities. While we thought Lyon could manage this weak time without panicking, Doucouré will revive the interest of the match in additional time. After a nice job from Kalimuendo, the Lensois midfielder catapults the ball into Lopes ‘skylight (90’). A magnificent goal that was ultimately unsuccessful since OL will not crack. With this success, Olympique Lyonnais brings its number of games unbeaten to 15. A good operation because at the same time Lille lost (1-2) against Angers and PSG were held in check (1-1) at Saint-Étienne. Lyon is therefore three points ahead of these two formations. Lens is eighth with 27 points.
–
