Solid Monaco, the Marseille enigma, Lionel Messi at the rendezvous … What to remember from French clubs in Europe halfway through
After three days, it’s time to learn the first lessons from the group stages for French clubs. PSG and Lille in the Champions League, Lyon, Marseille and Monaco in the Europa League, not to mention Rennes in the Europa League Conference have each experienced varying fortunes. Overall, the results are very satisfactory: in eighteen games, only one defeat has been achieved. Franceinfo: sport looks back on the highlights of these first leg matches.
The surprise: Monaco, a solid ridge of the Rock
How were the Monegasques going around this Europa League, after a failed start to the season and a frustrating elimination in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk? Doubts were allowed, especially since their group B was not a part of the fun.
But after three games, the questions are raised. ASM has not always shone, but Niko Kovac’s players are in first place in their group. Above all, Monaco, so inconsistent in the league (10th), was particularly solid away from home, drawing a draw against Real Sociedad (1-1) before winning in Eindhoven (2-1). Promising for the Monegasques, who will still have to confirm to Louis-II (where they have already presented Sturm Graz).
Reckless and daring, our Red and Whites snatched an important victory for this 200th European Cup match.
Thanks guys.
?? #PSVASM pic.twitter.com/RbNyufyU7W
– AS Monaco (@AS_Monaco) October 21, 2021
The disappointment: the Mastiffs reservoir is already empty
The first outings confirmed the fears of interviews by Lille fans this summer: no, the LOSC does not have the level to play a role in the Champions League. Or at least, there is nothing to prove otherwise. With an attack down, the Mastiffs were not able to grab the slightest victory: two 0-0 against Wolfsburg – reduced to ten for half an hour – then Sevilla, interspersed with a worrying defeat in Salzburg.
Nothing is crippling for the Northerners, but the task promises to be difficult, with two trips and the reception of the Austrian leader (7 points). Regrets are already in order, especially as Lille won an affordable pool on paper and very consistent in practice – four draws in six games played. Would the genre have been different if Christophe Galtier had stayed, or if a more experienced trainer than Jocelyn Gourvennec – neophyte at this level – had been hired? It is allowed to think.
The enigma: Marseille madness cannot be exported
We can offer one of the most entertaining shows in Ligue 1, with eighteen goals and a few crazy games, and be tasteless in the Europa League. Olympique de Marseille is proof of this: the second attack in the championship is down in Europe, with only one small but – on a penalty – against Lokomotiv Moscow.
The Marseille workforce is it cut enough to shine on two fronts? The sluggish draw against Galatasaray (0-0) did not remove the doubts. As for the new score conceded to Rome, it prevents Jorge Sampaoli’s players from taking off. Three draws in as many outings, the pace is not enough to get out of this tough hen E.
65.1% – Marseille have 65.1% average possession in the Europa League this season, the best percentage of the event in 2021/22. Unsuccessful. #LazioOM pic.twitter.com/qTayI9dpuq
– OptaJean (@OptaJean) October 21, 2021
The goal: and suddenly, Messi capsized the Park
Tuesday, September 28, 10:35 p.m. The Parc des Princes is crisp. Led 1-0, Manchester City multiplies the offensives on the Parisian cage. PSG is round back, and launches a counter-attack by Lionel Messi, in the central circle. Taking advantage of Achraf Hakimi’s call, the Pulga accelerates and relies on Kylian Mbappé. A delivery in the right tempo later, the Argentinian unleashes a clear strike from the left which nestles in Ederson’s skylight.
AND HERE’S THE MESSI!
The Argentinian superstar registers his first but under the colors of #PSG thanks to this superb service from @KMbappe #PSGMCI #UCL
https://t.co/IH2nOcGUG5 pic.twitter.com/d8Sh6jKJZC
– Canal Football Club (@CanalFootClub) September 28, 2021
The enclosure exults: after 264 minutes under the red and blue tunic, Messi scored his first pawn with Paris. Far from being anecdotal, this superb but secures the victory of his people. At the time of the assessment, the memory eclipses, for a moment, the two more than average outings of PSG against Bruges (1-1) and Leipzig (3-2). The essential is elsewhere: with seven points, Paris rushes towards the eighth.
The player: indomitable Karl Toko-Ekambi and Lyon
Call him “Mr. Europa League”. In three outings, Karl Toko Ekambi (29) scored five goals and delivered two assists. The Cameroonian wears a largely dominant Olympique Lyonnais in his pool (the only team with West Ham to have won their three matches). Awarded “best goal of the day” by UEFA against Rangers (2-0) at the opening, the left winger was elected “player of the second day” after his double against Brondby (3-0) .
Bsᴛ sᴛʀɪᴋᴇʀ
Another double for Karl Toko Ekambi in @EuropaLeague, which brings its total to 5⃣ goals in the competition and takes 1st place in the scorers classification!#SPAOL pic.twitter.com/kgPJq44aqL
– Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) October 21, 2021
Thursday, Toko-Ekambi once again offered victory to Lyon by scoring a brace in Prague (4-3). Or how to confirm a comeback, marked by two goals in his last three outings in Ligue 1 and an OL jump in the standings.