overthrown by Lyon, Lille misses out on the opportunity to get on the podium

In a few weeks, when we will take stock of the season, perhaps this match will haunt Lille. After leading 2-0 and then 3-2 against Lyon, on Monday 6 May in 32^e day in Ligue 1, LOSC collapsed and eventually lost at home 4-3, thus missing the opportunity to reach the podium that ensures direct qualification for the Champions League.

Two games after the end of the championship, the northern club remain in fourth place – two points behind Brest held at bay by Nantes (0-0) on Saturday – a place that gives the right to access the play-offs of the lucrative and prestigious European Cup, a stage that is not usually successful for French clubs.

This defeat is as much a result of Lyonnais’ self-sacrifice as the mental bankruptcy and inexperience of the Lille side, who nevertheless offered a nail-biting first period, twice in particular. First by Bafodé Diakité with a superb header after a free kick from Yusuf Yazici (1-0, 21^e), then by Edon Zhegrova, with a precise and surprising strike if not powerful to fool the vigilance of Anthony Lopes from outside the area (2-0, 37^e). The Kosovar had entered the match around ten minutes earlier, replacing the injured Yazici.

Questionable management

Less successful to the point of losing his starting place, Zhegrova celebrated his goal at length. But that didn’t stop Fonseca from releasing it on the 76th^e minute to bring in an extra defender: Alexsandro. Because in the meantime, Lyon showed their fangs, and returned to scoring through Saïd Benrahma by surprising the Lille defense in depth (1-2, 66^e).

Full of control during the first act, Lille made the dubious choice to manage during the second. What he failed to do, especially in the absence of captain Benjamin André, a reassuring and stabilizing midfielder at the heart of the game.

In good form in this second part of the season, OL then overturned everything in their path thanks to two newcomers: Malick Fofana, scorer of the equalizing goal (2-2, 82)^e) after a pass from Mama Baldé, helped by Alexsandro’s missed tackle. This goal had the effect of a cold shower for the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, almost full for the occasion. But he cheered again when Bafodé Diakité pulled on his saving grace by giving his team the advantage from a corner (3-2, 85)^e).

“A train in the mouth”

Here, Lille, who played with five defenders at this moment of the match, collapsed, and Alexsandro left Alexandre Lacazette alone behind his back (3-3, 88)^e). Lyon roared one last time to bring down the spoils thanks to Mama Baldé (4-3, 90+2).

“We caught a train in the face, especially with the scenariowhispered the president of the LOSC, Olivier Létang, after the meeting. In the second half we lacked control, but we had the chance to score and lead 3-2 until the 87th.^e with five defenders including three central players. It is a difficult, cruel scenario, but in high-level sport there is no place for the weak. The only key is to remobilize everyone: we still have two games to win. » To hope to win a direct ticket to the Champions League, Lille must undoubtedly win in Nantes then at home against Nice.

Regarding Alexsandro’s entry, coach Paulo Fonseca explained: “I think it was the best option than bringing in another defender. I thought if we didn’t have the ball, Alexsandro’s entry would allow us to defend better. I take responsibility for this change, these choices and this result. »

His counterpart at Lyon, Pierre Sage, was pleased with the attitude of his players: “We really use the saying as long as there’s life, there’s hope. We experienced it as a club in relation to the ranking when we were announced in Ligue 2.”

Despite this success, Olympique Lyonnais is still not in the European places, but it has come closer. The Rhône club – qualified for the Coupe de France final against PSG on May 25 – are just two points behind Lens, sixth and first virtual qualifier for a continental competition.