Lyon, quickly in numerical superiority, signs its first victory of the season in Rennes

2023-11-12 20:24:50

By the editorial staff

Published 26 minutes ago, Updated now

Jake O’Brien scored the liberating goal for OL. SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS / AFP

OL, bottom of the championship, ended their black streak by winning, eleven against ten in the 4th minute, at Roazhon Park (0-1).

Olympique Lyonnais finally sees its black streak come to an end. After ten matches without a win (six defeats, four draws), OL won this Sunday at Roazhon Park in Rennes (0-1), on the occasion of the 12th day of Ligue 1. Thanks to this success if precious, the Gones remain bottom but come back to four points behind FC Lorient, 16th and play-off.

For the Lyonnais, ill and in full doubt, the match could not have started better against the Rennais, who are also in bad shape in the championship. After an initial situation for Nicolas Tagliafico (1st), OL suddenly found themselves in numerical superiority from the 4th minute. Guilty of a sole on the same Tagliafico, Guela Doué received a red card, leaving Rennes at 10 as against Panathinaikos, Thursday in the Europa League (3-1). As regulars, the Bretons quickly adapted, with Bourigeaud moving to the right side. Les Gones, with Rayan Cherki in a number 10 position, wanted to take advantage quickly even if the technical waste in the centers prevented them from worrying Steve Mandanda. With long-range strikes, Corentin Tolisso (9th) then Skelly Alvero, twice in quick succession (21st), sent shivers through Roazhon Park. Lyon muddled and uninspired, Rennes limited and cautious, the match gradually forgot the game until the break, the tension rising crescendo on the sidelines.

OL breathes after extreme tension

At half-time of the match, Bruno Genesio sharply attacked the OL staff, in particular Rémy Vercoutre, the coach of the Rhone goalkeepers. In the images broadcast by Canal +, the Rennes coach vituperated: “Shut up…! You’re not at home here. You’re not in Lyon!».

Symbol of the tense climate between the two teams, the incident nevertheless calmed down upon returning from the locker room. Genesio and Grosso launched strong forces, Alexandre Lacazette notably entering the Lyon side. The French striker and his team played in the Rennes camp but used missed crosses, feasting Mandanda’s arms. OL’s salvation finally came from behind after a chance for Saël Kumbedi (54th). The right side, very active in his lane, found Jake O’Brien’s head at the far post (0-1, 67th), freeing everything from a group of enormous weight. It was still necessary to hold these three vital points in the face of the revolt, certainly disorganized, of the Rennais. Under the leadership of Nemanja Matic, the Bretons set fire to Anthony Lopes’ area, happy to see Theate’s recovery fly away (88th) then decisive in front of Amine Gouiri (92nd).

After endless and disjointed added time, Corentin Tolisso and his partners could exult. They bagged a first success this season, in their 11th match, and take a deep breath before hosting Lille next Sunday. For Stade Rennais, on the other hand, the situation is serious. The Rouge et Noir conceded a fourth defeat and languished in a worrying 13th place, only one point ahead of the play-off zone.