Lyon’s “perfect” week ends in style. Six days after qualifying for the Coupe de France final by beating Valenciennes (3-0), Lyon overthrew Nantes in just one half for a 3-1 victory. The meeting took place in a La Beaujoire stadium behind closed doors due to the breaking of 281 smoke bombs by ultras from the Loire Brigade, the main group of yellow and green supporters, on March 16 against Strasbourg.
The Canaries led the score for a long time thanks to an achievement from Abline. On a well-measured cross from Mollet, the left winger came to place his head to deceive Lopes (16th). In search of a reaction, the Lyonnais were disgusted by a super Lafont. The French goalkeeper, in particular, repelled with his left hand a strike from Nuamah which was heading towards the opposite corner (23rd). Mostafa Mohamed could even have made the break before half-time but the Egyptian’s attempt ended on the post.
Returning from the locker room, the Lyonnais showed themselves to be more conquering and incisive. They were rewarded by scoring two goals in quick succession. Lacazette (75th) then Fofana (77th) allowed Lyon to overthrow their opponent in two minutes. At the very end of the game, Orban buried all Nantes hopes by scoring the knockout goal (90th 7th).
Thanks to this success, OL can still dream of European qualification. Pierre Sage’s men are five points behind Lens (currently qualified in the Europa conference, Editor’s note). For its part, Nantes, 14th, will have to fight to stay in the first division.