Strasbourg-Lyon 2-1Strasbourg: Bellegarde (63rd), Mothiba (75th)Lyon: Tagliafico (88th)
False start for OL! Already in uncertainty after very worrying preparation matches, the Rhone club lost in Strasbourg at the end of the first day of Ligue 1 (2-1). Les Gones sank at La Meinau, in a match that they controlled for a long time.
OL frustrated by Sels…
Expected at the turn, at the start of a new season without European competition, OL quickly took their ease on the lawn of La Meinau. Les Gones, articulated around a dominating and inspired midfield, made a draft Racing suffer. And saved by Sels in the first period. Already put to use on attempts by Tolisso (26th) and Cherki (31st), the Alsatian goalkeeper had to work to deflect a shot from Lacazette on the post (41st). For his first match on the Strasbourg bench, Patrick Vieira saw his 5-3-2 just miss throughout the first act. Like Emegha on counterattacks (5th, 24th).
… and punished by Bellegarde
Still just as dominating after returning from the locker room, the Lyonnais were nevertheless unable to complete their actions at the start of the second half. Less sharp, Laurent Blanc’s men finally cracked after the hour mark, when Bellegarde’s eccentric free kick surprised a not flawless Riou (1-0, 63rd). A huge blow to the head of Les Gones, stunned and punished a second time by Bellegarde, this time decisive passer for Mothiba (2-0, 75th). If Tagliafico managed to close the gap at the end of the match (2-1, 88th), OL were unable to snatch the equalizer in a breathless end to the match, also marked by the exit on injury of Lacazette.
Beaten, Lyon missed entry into this season of redemption. Under the dark gaze of John Textor, present at La Meinau. Also under the American flag, Racing began its new era with a narrow but promising victory.
