Trailing from the fifth minute of the game after a penalty from Aouar, Le Gym fell to defat at Lyon in their first friendly of the summer (1-0). During what was a vast analysis of the squad, Kamara, Daniliuc and Gouiri made good impressions on their debuts in red and black.

For this first match of pre-season, Les Niçois started the match in the opposition’s half but were quickly pinned back. Played in by Aouar, Dembélé was brought down by Benitez in the box and won a penalty. Aouar made no mistake from the spot and gave OL the lead (1-0, 5’). 

In a muted atmosphere, the players of both sides struggled to bring rhythm to the game and the chances were few and far between. A lively Hassane Kamara left nothing on the field on his left wing. On the opposite side of the pitch, at right back, Youcef Atal wasn’t to be outdone as he made his return after a six month absence.  

It was from his side of the pitch that the Niçois had their first real chance. Boudaoui broke past three Lyonnais and earned a free-kick on the edge of the box, although he thought he had won a penalty, but VAR overruled the decision. Dante’s effort smashed into the wall (23’). 

After the break, Amine Gouiri made his first appearance at his former ground, as Patrick Vieira gave game-time to his whole squad (9 changes out of 11). 

Benefitting from an extra match, Les Gones created the best chances, including when Dembélé, found himself alone in the box but couldn’t find the target with his shot (52’) or Kadewere’s effort that was stopped by Cardinale. Les Aiglons tried their luck in front of Lopes’ goal but lacked precision when Brazao’s effort hit the side netting (55’). 

Involved in all that was good against his former teammates, Gouiri was determined to find the equaliser and didn’t hesitate to try to beat Andersen (80’). Authoritative and calm at the back, Daniliuc discouraged the Lyon attacks, looking strong in the tackle and impressive with the ball at feet, while Trouillet started several moves (65’, 90’). Their efforts wouldn’t bear fruit.

At the end of 90 minutes full of lessons for Coach Vieira, Olympique Lyonnais held on to win by the smallest of margins. Next up will be Les Aiglons’ second match at the Geoffroy-Guichard on Friday.

The match in images:

Hicham Boudaoui up against Bruno Guimaraes

Patrick Vieira

Youcef Atal made his return for Le Gym 

Hassane Kamara on his debut for OGC Nice

Pierre Lees-Melou

Yoan Cardinale played the second half 

Danilo came on at the break

A first appearance for Flavius Daniliuc, who came on for Dante at half-time

Amine Gouiri wore a Nice shirt for the first time, up against his former teammates 

Yanis Hamache tries his luck​​

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