Tops
All series have an end and this one lasted an eternity for Olympique Lyonnais. After ten games without a win (six defeats, four draws), Lyon leaves Rennes with three welcome points (1-0) in the race to maintain their position. Taking advantage of the early expulsion of Guela Doué (4th), Fabio Grosso’s players forced their destiny despite an offensive waste which could have been costly. Uninspired in the game and trembling at the end of the match against ten Rennais, OL did not cure all their ailments. Far from there. But the bleeding has stopped and that is the main thing after this trip to Roazhon Park.
Lyon’s most consistent player in recent weeks, the Irish defender scored a headed goal (67th) which will perhaps give a new twist to his club’s season. While his attackers stammered in their football, the former Molenbeek player found the fault after a first opportunity at the end of the first period. On the defensive level, he was calm, helped by the difficulties of Rennais, who were quickly outnumbered.
How hard it was to exist in the game for Stade Rennais this afternoon. Forced to review their plans from the start, the Rouge et Noir did what they could, especially the Serbian midfielder, who multiplied in midfield. Impressive technically with his left foot, Matic allowed his team to breathe with the ball, before sounding the revolt at 0-1. He was at the origin of the equalizing ball missed by Gouiri (92nd) thanks to a sharp pass towards the surface. The 35-year-old midfielder once again showed his class but it was not enough.
Flops
If the Rennais managed to win at 10 against Panathinaikos (3-1) on Thursday in the Europa League, they would undoubtedly have preferred to remain at 11 this Sunday. But their right side, brother of Désiré Doué, was sent to the locker room in the fourth minute for an avoidable sole on the foot of Nicolas Tagliafico. A huge blow for his coach Bruno Genesio who attempted a blow with three changes at the break. His bet ended up losing after 90 missed minutes for the locals, without solution or inspiration.
Established as number 10 by Fabio Grosso, the French international hopeful started the meeting with the keys to the Lyon truck. But despite an interesting first quarter of an hour in the initiatives, the 20-year-old player quickly fell back into his mistakes. He distinguished himself by technical waste and gestures of annoyance towards his teammates, in particular Ernest Nuamah. Before leaving in the 64th minute, replaced by the Brazilian Jeffinho, without having lit the slightest spark in the game.
Two wins, six draws and four defeats. Such is the catastrophic results of Stade Rennais after 12 days of Ligue 1. Demoted to a worrying 13th place, eight points from the Top 4 and just ahead of the Lorient play-off, the Bretons are bogged down in the crisis in the championship. The conquering face shown in the European Cup does not rub off on the weekend and the situation is becoming alarming. Especially since the upcoming schedule after the international break does not encourage optimism. Reims, Marseille then Monaco await the Rouge et Noir, now up against the wall.
