In a few weeks, when we will have to take stock of the season, this match will perhaps haunt the minds of Lille. After leading 2 to 0 then 3 to 2 against Lyon, Monday May 6 during the 32nd day of Ligue 1, LOSC collapsed to finally lose at home 4-3, thus missing the opportunity to get on the podium which ensures direct qualification for the Champions League.
Two matches from the end of the championship, the northern club remains in fourth position – two points behind Brest held in check against Nantes (0-0) on Saturday – a place which offers the right to access the play-offs of the lucrative and prestigious European Cup, a stage which does not generally succeed for French clubs.
This defeat is as much the result of the self-sacrifice of the Lyonnais as the mental bankruptcy and inexperience of the Lille team who nevertheless offered a nail-biting first period, notably scoring twice. First by Bafodé Diakité with a superb header after a free kick from Yusuf Yazici (1-0, 21st), then by Edon Zhegrova, with a precise and surprising strike if not powerful to deceive the vigilance of Anthony Lopes from outside the area (2-0, 37th). The Kosovar had entered a game around ten minutes earlier, in place of 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 taking him out in the 76th minute to bring in an additional defender: Alexsandro. Because in the meantime, Lyon showed its fangs, returning to the score through Saïd Benrahma by surprising the Lille defense in depth (1-2, 66th).
Full of control during the first act, Lille made the questionable choice to manage during the second. What he was unable to do, especially in the absence of his captain Benjamin André, a reassuring and stabilizing midfielder at the heart of the game.
In great shape 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, 82nd) ??after a pass from Mama Baldé, well 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 exulted again when Bafodé Diakité put on his savior cape by giving his team the advantage after a corner (3-2, 85th).
“A train in the mouth”
Here again, Lille, who were playing with five defenders at this point in the match, collapsed, Alexsandro leaving Alexandre Lacazette alone behind his back (3-3, 88th). Lyon roared one last time to bring down their prey thanks to Mama Baldé (4-3, 90 2).
“We caught ourselves in a trap, especially with the scenario,” said LOSC president 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 minute with five defenders including three central players. It’s a difficult, cruel scenario, but in high-level sport there is no place for those who are weak. The only watchword is to re-mobilize everyone: we still have two matches to win. » To hope to win a direct ticket for the Champions League, Lille will undoubtedly have to win in Nantes then at home against Nice.
Regarding the entry of Alexsandro, coach Paulo Fonseca explained: “I think it was the best option than bringing in one more defender. I thought that 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 Lyon counterpart, Pierre Sage, was delighted with the attitude of his players: “We really apply the proverb as long as there is life there is 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 Rhone club – qualified for the final of the Coupe de France against PSG on May 25 – is only two points behind Lens, sixth and first virtual qualifier for a continental competition.
