Ligue 1: with a hat-trick from Lacazette, OL breaks free against Toulouse and finally wins at home

2023-12-10 20:19:53

It was necessary to wait for its eighth reception for Olympique Lyonnais to finally secure its first victory at home against Toulouse (3-0) on Sunday. Les Gones were carried by an express hat-trick from Alexandre Lacazette (25th, 29th, 80th) and perhaps held their benchmark match, without leaving last place in Ligue 1.

For once, OL mastered their subject for 90 minutes. The criticized executives, like Maxence Caqueret, were able to raise their level of play. Captain Lacazette regained his efficiency by scoring three times, on the lookout for second balls following corners or free kicks. The ex-French international, always a surface fox, scored as much in 55 minutes as he had done in 11 games.

Lopes at fault but decisive

The Lyonnais found their striker and found a new offensive force, scoring each time from set pieces. This success had already been seen in Lens last weekend (2-3) and is one of the trademarks of coach Pierre Sage.

Initially appointed as interim, the former coach of the training center appeals and seems to have the support of his locker room. Owner John Textor – seated alongside his predecessor Jean-Michel Aulas in a funny image – attended the meeting, and may have been convinced to extend his technician’s lease.

While waiting to decide on his fate, Pierre Sage appreciated the solidity of his defense and, this time, no individual error undermined the good collective performance. Not even this very risky and dangerous exit from Anthony Lopes at the feet of Frank Magri (42nd), rightly punished with a penalty.

Toulouse sinks

But the Portuguese goalkeeper made up for it by repelling Thijs Dallinga’s weak shot, as if the opposing elements were finally ancient history for OL. Less inclined to possess the leather in the second act, the Lyonnais contained the meager attacks of a Téfécé with a worrying accounting situation.

Consistent in the Europa League, the Haut-Garonnais have not won in Ligue 1 for two and a half months. They occupy 15th place (13 points) and could end the 15th day in a play-off position if Lorient takes at least one point against Marseille, at 9 p.m. And OL, last but reinvigorated, are only three points behind.