Paris on its Barcelona momentum. Despite the turnover made by Luis Enrique, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the bench at kick-off, PSG played against OL (4-1) on Sunday, during the 30th day of Ligue 1. Card which brings the Rouge et Bleu a little closer to a French championship title which has been promised to them for a long time already, they who remained on a victory in the form of a comeback against Barça (1-4) on Tuesday in Catalonia.
It will perhaps be for Wednesday, in Lorient, in a late match of the 29th round. In the meantime, Gonçalo Ramos – author of a double – and his teammates quickly put Lyon’s heads under water at the start of the match. They have never been worried, even if Les Gones, 8th in the L1 standings, have nothing to be ashamed of their performance.
Crazy start to the match, with Barcola lighting the left on fire, not for the last time, and Asensio pushing Matic to do the irreparable (1-0, 3rd). No time to breathe, the Gones quickly took a second shot behind the noggin, Asensio’s corner extended with a header by Barcola and Beraldo, all alone to conclude (2-0, 6th). Lyon KO standing. Benrahma alerted Donnarumma to a shot deflected by Marquinhos (7th), but Paris was becoming more and more comfortable in the Lyon half. Barcola in the gloves of Lopes (14th), incursion of Zaire-Emery (17th), Kolo Muani just next to the frame (19th) and taken back by a saving tackle from O’Brien (23rd)… Lyon folded.
And broke again: cross from Hakimi, header from Ramos, crystal clear (3-0, 32nd). Unplayable this PSG, very close to 4-0 with Barcola who touched wood (35th). Passive, the Parisians however allowed Nuamah to reduce the score, at the near post (3-1, 37th). Same action, same player, second post this time… but less success (38th). Lyon revived? Lyon pressed, after a lightning counter, with Asensio in the role of the decisive passer and Ramos in that of the finisher (4-1, 42nd).
“When we play like that, we are unstoppable,” said Barcola after Barça-PSG. Paris Saint-Germain was just as happy during this first period, even if Mbappé and Dembélé started on the bench and Hernandez (suspended) and Mendes (spared) were missing. Donnarumma still had a (small) opportunity to shine, with this beautiful curling shot from Benrahma (45 2), but the referee whistled for half-time on this score (4-1 MT). Quickly led, the Lyonnais played the game of an efficient PSG who enjoyed themselves during this first act.
Pierre Sage reviewed his copy at the break with a few adjustments and one change, Benrahma replaced by Mata. Choices which allowed OL to change the game, even to dominate the debates. Donnarumma had to work on this attempt by Cherki (55th) before achieving a small miracle to thwart the plans of Caqueret, alone in front of the goal (63rd). This did not prevent Luis Enrique from tapping on his bench, allowing for example Marquinhos, honored after the final whistle, to enjoy a nice ovation when he came out (67th). Which “Marqui” recently became the most capped player in the history of the capital club. Monument.
This Lyon highlight in any case did not achieve anything. In fact, it was Paris which now quietly controlled and managed its lead. The Park is celebrating after this perfect week and before an exciting end to the season, with all the titles within striking distance, including the C1. For the Coupe de France, we will have to once again get the best of Lyon, on May 25, in the final. This time, OL quickly surrendered, despite a few skirmishes here and there.
