On Saturday at the Allianz Riviera, Le Gym were punished by Lyon on Matchday 16 of L1 (1-4).

What positive can be taken from a defeat (1-4)? The desire at the start of the match, the cohesion of the team in the first hour of the game despite the absences, Gouiri’s performance that was rewarded with a superb headed goal following a magnificent ball into the box from Lopes, which allowed Les Aiglons to head in at the break with hope of taking something from the game (1-2, 44’). Or even the return of Youcef Atal, who had been out injured since 26 November, with the number 20 showing his usual energy and desire to push forward.

But Le Gym were made to pay for their defensive errors. The penalty conceded by Nsoki allowed Les Gones to take the lead in the match (0-1, 31'). Kadewere’s interception of a pass from Boudaoui on the edge of the box was converted calmly and allowed the visitors to extend their lead (0-2, 39').

Despite the hope generated by Gouiri’s goal, it was once again defensive errors that made life difficult for the home side. It was another interception, this time on the edge of their own box, that allowed Lyon to attack quickly and se Kadewere was played through on goal, but he preferred to offer a gift to Toko Ekambi, who finished easily into the empty goal (1-3, 62). Finally, Aouar made the most of a cross from Dubois to flick past Benitez and kill the game off (1-4, 72').

The visitors had the opportunity to further extend their lead in the final half an hour, but didn’t manage to do so.

Le Gym will have the chance to bounce back on Wednesday at the Allianz Riviera against Lorient in the final match of 2020.

The match in photos

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OL’s opener was scored by Memphis Depay from the penalty spot after a foul by Stanley Nsoki (0-1, 31')

Khephren Thuram, played through the middle of midfield alongside Hicham Boudaoui

Alexis Claude-Maurice made his return to the starting 11 after his goal at Nîmes on Wednesday

Hassane Kamara 

A delight from Rony Lopes in behind the Lyon defence...

And Amine Gouiri headed home just before the break!

Unavailable since the return match against Slavia (1-3 on 26 November), Youcef Atal returned to action on Saturday.