OL defeat Monaco and double ASM in the standings
The match: 2-0
This time, OL did not crack. Better, it is he who insisted on snatching an important victory at the end of the match, this Saturday against Monaco (2-0). Unlike the derby in Saint-Étienne before the international break, when the Lyonnais had conceded the equalizer (1-1) in added time, the fate turned in their favor against ASM. They were mostly rewarded for their good game overall, although for a long time they were brilliant with their awkwardness in front of goal. The fault also with Alexander Nübel, author of six saves.
But like his partners, the Monegasque goalkeeper also ended up being swept away by the Lyon wave. After pushing back the attempts of Toko Ekambi (22nd and 26th), Cherki (34th) and Kadewere (70th), the German goalkeeper had to bow on a penalty, transformed by Toko Ekambi (75th). At that point, however, the best chances were in favor of the Rock players, who seemed to have gained the upper hand in a much more open second half than the first. Gelson Martins had stumbled on Pollersbeck (50th) and Ben Yedder had crossed his shot too much (57th).
This was before the winning coaching provided by Peter Bosz. By launching Lucas Paqueta to force the decision, the Lyon coach has seen it right. By his inspirations, the Brazilian really unlocked the situation and knocked out Monaco, who remained on three wins in four games and better placed in the race for the podium. Conversely, with this furious success, it was OL who managed the good operation by temporarily returning to Nice, current third.
The fact: Lucas Paqueta’s decisive entry
He absolutely noted to play this meeting, despite his late return from selection. Less than 48 hours after beating Uruguay (4-1) in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, Thursday evening with Brazil, but at 2:30 am Friday morning French time, Lucas Paqueta played well for a few minutes. Entering in the second half in place of Rayan Cherki (66th), to a standing ovation from the public at Groupama Stadium, the Brazilian was quick to prove decisive, twice.
It was first he who, with a deep pass in the area, launched Léo Dubois, on the action of the penalty (72nd). At the end of the match, it was again he who slipped the ball between two Monegasques for Emerson, on a quickly played corner which led to Denayer’s goal (90th). Available and mobile, not hesitating to switch points and sideways with Tino Kadewere, Paqueta did not seem to accuse the blow physically.
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Karl Toko Ekambi is involved on seven goals in his last six starts with OL (five goals and two assists).