Ligue 1: in Rennes, Lyon finally wins its first match of the season

2023-11-12 20:33:57

We had to wait until mid-November to see Olympique Lyonnais win a match this season. Relegated to five points behind penultimate Clermont after the Auvergnats’ victory against Lorient earlier this Sunday afternoon, the Lyonnais had to win if they did not want to spend the international break in the fog. The breakthrough came from a header from Jake O’Brien in the 67th minute.

Before this goal, Fabio Grosso’s men delivered a very dull first period, even though they spent 85 minutes at 11 against 10 after Guéla Doué’s ugly sole on Tagliafico at the start of the match. Dominant in possession, the Lyonnais were unable to find the fault and remained very disappointing. At the end of the first act, the show mainly took place on the sidelines, with Bruno Genesio losing his temper against a member of the Lyon staff. Substitute, Lyon captain Lacazette must play mediator. He will return to the field after the break.

Lyon remains last

After the break, the Rennais put their foot on the ball more, but the Lyon pressure, led by Lacazette, allowed the Gones to regain confidence in themselves, until a superb cross from Kumbedi for O’Brien. After this goal, Rennes continued to push despite being numerically inferior. Not always in an academic manner, Lyon managed to contain the Rennes attacks to maintain their goal lead until the final whistle. In added time, Lopes saved his team against Amine Gouiri who almost equalized against his former club.

With a game in hand in Marseille, Lyon remains last with seven points, two lengths behind Clermont. The Rennais, who have a fifth match without a victory, are thirteenth, one point ahead of Lorient, play-offs.

The player

Difficult to bring out individuality in this dull and above all tense match. But let’s play on the symbolism by retaining Jake O’Brien. His arrival in Lyon surprised more than one this summer. Three months later, he is the one who allows Lyon to achieve an important victory in the fight for maintenance.

At the state

Lyon had not won a match since May 27, 2023, almost six months ago. It was during the penultimate day of Ligue 1, against Reims. That day, the Lyonnais won 3-0.