Make Bollaert roar! Still undefeated after three days, the Blood and Gold meet Bollaert-Delelis for a prestigious match against Olympique Lyonnais, to close the 4th day of Ligue 1 Mc Donald’s. With a conquering and courageous state of mind, demonstrated since the start of the season, Racing is relying on the backbone present on Monaco soil a fortnight ago. Already associated in the Principality, Jonathan Gradit, Abdukodir Khusanov and Facundo Medina make up the Artois defense. The latter are supervised by Deiver Machado and Przemyslaw Frankowski in the wings. Adrien Thomasson and Andy Diouf guard the Lens midfield, while the whirling David Pereira da Costa is making his second start this season. The front of the attack is occupied by Florian Sotoca and Wesley Saïd.
In a Bollaert-Delelis heated to white heat, Will Still’s men immediately put their foot on the ball and initiated the first move of the evening. On a good reversal by Florian Sotoca, Przemyslaw Frankowski found the number 7 in the area but his cross was too elusive. Lyon’s response was not long in coming and resulted in the first corner of the match (8′). Hit at the near post by Ainsley Maitland-Niles, the English international saw his kick deflected by the Artois defense. A few moments later, Bollaert-Delelis felt a first shiver. On the real first Lyon attack, striker Gift Orban took his chance and deceived Brice Samba. Goal finally disallowed for an offside position (10′).
Racing continues its work of undermining the visiting defense and finds its offensive momentum, like David Pereira da Costa. Midfielder Made in Gaillette finds Adrien Thomasson in midfield, who alerts Przemyslaw Frankowski in the Lyon sixteen-yard box. The Lens piston unfortunately sees his transmission to Wesley Saïd interrupted by the Lyon rearguard (14′). The Sang et Or cogs seem oiled and the Artésiens push back Pierre Sage’s block. Once again, Racing is on the attack! Florian Sotoca shifts the unstoppable Przemyslaw Frankowski to the right flank, whose cross to Wesley Saïd leaves the penalty area (25′).
Nevertheless, on their few possessions, Olympique Lyonnais managed to make their way towards Brice Samba’s goal. In transition and served by his teammate Corentin Tolisso, the Gones’ full-back, Abner, fired a powerful shot with his left foot in the Lens area. Brice Samba closed perfectly at the near post and repelled the danger (28′). Then it was Alexandre Lacazette’s turn to warm up the Lens captain’s gloves, with a heavy strike that was pushed back with authority (33′).
The two teams traded blows at the end of the first half and the attacks on the visitors’ goal multiplied. First of all, following an excellent corner taken by Adrien Thomasson, Florian Sotoca headed the ball, but his attempt was missed (36′). It was then the turn of Racing’s Colombian piston, Deiver Machado, to shine, with a floating shot that was barely deflected into a corner by Lucas Perri (43′).
After a tough and balanced first period during which they managed to create several opportunities, Racing is currently held in check by a committed Lyon team. There are 45 minutes left to make the difference (0-0)!
