Olympique Lyonnais is doing much better. In a serious sporting crisis just a few weeks ago, Les Gones passed a new serious test with the reception of OGC Nice, 2nd in the championship, on the occasion of the 22nd day of Ligue 1. If everything was not perfect, Pierre Sage’s men managed to pocket a fourth success in a row, in all competitions (1-0), the third in a row in Ligue 1.
This sixth victory in eight days confirms the rebirth of the club, which takes the opportunity to temporarily return to 11th place, tied on points with Strasbourg (25). The Aiglons, guilty of waking up too late and not helped by certain refereeing decisions, see their status as runner-up to PSG being threatened.
Nice too clumsy in attack
The Groupama Stadium was once again exultant. And the Lyon supporters have reason to smile, after their team’s performance against Nice, whose rebound was expected after the defeat in the derby against Monaco. Francesco Farioli’s players got into the match very well and we almost thought that the step was going to be a little too high for OL.
As proof, Mohamed Ali-Cho gave Anthony Lopes a few scares, notably a cross-shot which hit the post (9th). It was then Morgan Sanson who materialized his team’s good start, without further success (17th, 20th). We didn’t know, at that moment of the match, that the Gym had missed its chance.
The great pick for Lyon
Because Lyon has gradually gained strength, at its own pace. Without rushing, the Rhone residents took the time to build their actions, with calm and serenity, taking care of the ball exits. The only goal of the match came from a school action. Perfectly offset on the right, behind the defense, Ernest Nuamah crossed for Orel Mangala, who applied himself to the penalty spot (1-0, 22nd). The Belgian, who arrived in the winter transfer window, celebrated his first start in Ligue 1 with a first goal. This opening score allowed Olympique Lyonnais to gain confidence, knowing that they had to be united to resist until the final whistle.
In search of a reaction of pride, OGC Nice did not give up so easily. The Aiglons even regained color with three changes at once, forcing Farioli to review his tactical plan. More offensive, the Gym forced the Lyonnais to retreat and it was narrow to snatch the equalizer.
A header from Pablo Rosario went just wide (69th) while Lopes had to lie down on a well-placed shot from Jérémie Boga (85th). The visiting club will also be able to ruminate on this borderline duel between Jordan Lotomba and Nicolas Taglifiaco in the area, ending in a foul called against the Niçois. Having stopped for three matches, the Gym could give up its second place to Monaco or Brest at the end of this 22nd day and even lose its place on the podium. The breakdown is real, when, on the contrary, Lyon is indeed restarting.